BJJ technique library

Anaconda choke setup from front headlock

Also called Anaconda choke from front headlock

A front headlock attack against a single leg: free your leg, lock the anaconda grip around their head and arm, and start the gator roll.

Arm drag to rear naked choke from butterfly guard

From seated butterfly guard, drag your opponent's arm across to get behind them, then flatten them and finish the rear naked choke.

Arm triangle against a back escape

Also called Kata gatame

When your opponent slides out of back control onto their back, follow them into mount with their arm trapped and finish the arm triangle from the side.

Arm triangle counter to kimura

Also called Kata gatame counter to kimura

A counter when your opponent attacks a kimura from closed guard: block the pull, drive into half guard, trap their head and arm and finish the arm triangle from side control.

Arm triangle from leg drag

Also called Arm triangle choke from leg drag, Kata gatame from leg drag, Head-and-arm choke from leg drag

From a forward-leaning leg drag, swim inside your opponent's frames, trap their arm against their neck and finish the arm triangle from the side.

Arm triangle from mount

Also called Kata gatame, Smashing Choke, Head and arm choke from mount

The classic arm triangle from mount: trap your opponent's arm across their neck with your head, then step off to the side to finish.

Arm triangle from top half guard

Also called Arm triangle from half guard, Kata gatame from half guard, Head-and-arm choke from half guard

From top half guard, crossface and threaten mount; when your opponent blocks your knee, trap that arm across their neck and finish the arm triangle in side control.

Arm-in guillotine against the deep half guard sweep

A counter when your opponent comes up from deep half onto your leg: wrap their head with an arm inside and lie back into the arm-in guillotine.

Arm-in guillotine counter to a single-leg escape

Also called Arm-in guillotine counter to single-leg escape

A counter when your opponent turns in from under knee on belly to grab your leg: wrap their head with an arm inside and sit back into the arm-in guillotine.

Arm-in guillotine from butterfly guard

Also called Butterfly sweep to arm-in guillotine

From butterfly guard with an overhook, tip your opponent with your hook, come up on your knees and sit back into the arm-in guillotine.

Arm-in guillotine from closed guard

Also called Guillotine from closed guard

From closed guard, sit up as for a hip bump, wrap your opponent's head with an arm inside and pull them down into the arm-in guillotine.

Arm-in guillotine from dogfight

From the dogfight, wrap your opponent's head with their near arm inside and sit underneath them into the arm-in guillotine.

Arm-out guillotine counter to a single-leg escape

Also called Arm-out guillotine counter to single-leg escape

A counter when your opponent turns in from under knee on belly to grab your leg: wrap their head without the arm and sit back into a guillotine from closed guard.

Armbar after a throw

Keep hold of your opponent's arm through a throw and step over their head into the armbar as they land.

Armbar counter to a single-leg escape from knee on belly

Also called Armbar counter to single-leg escape, Side-control escape counter to armbar

An armbar you hit from knee on belly when your opponent turns in, takes an underhook and reaches for a single leg. You drop to your hands and knees and snatch the reaching arm.

Armbar from a stack pass

Also called Armbar from a double-under stack, Hip block to arm lock

Fold your opponent's legs into a double-under stack, then take an arm and sit back into the armbar.

Armbar from back control

An armbar from back control on the underhook side. You trap one arm, step a leg over to the spider web and straighten the arm.

Armbar from closed guard

Also called Armlock from closed guard

The basic armbar from closed guard: control the wrist, climb your legs high and swing a leg over the head to straighten the arm.

Armbar from knee on belly

From knee on belly, catch the arm your opponent reaches with, step around their head and sit back into the near-side armbar.

Armbar from monoplata

From the monoplata, swing your leg over your opponent's head into spiderweb, break their grip and straighten the trapped arm.

Armbar from mount

Also called S-mount armbar, Smashing Web

From high mount, turn into S-mount when your opponent covers up, hook an arm and sit back to the armbar.

Armbar from Muddy Waters

An armbar from Muddy Waters, the rubber guard position where your legs are already high around your opponent's upper body. You turn your hips out and swing a leg over their head.

Armbar from spiderweb

The finish from spiderweb when your opponent clasps their hands: break the grip and lean back to straighten the arm.

Armbar to triangle from spiderweb

Also called Armbar to triangle, Across-side arm lock to triangle, Armbar to triangle transition

When your opponent defends the armbar from spiderweb, swing a leg around their head and roll under into a triangle.

Biceps slicer from spiderweb

Also called Arm crush

When your opponent defends the armbar from spiderweb by bending their arm, wrap your legs around the bent arm and squeeze for the biceps slicer.

Calf slicer from truck

Also called Calf crank from truck

A calf slicer from the truck: fold your opponent's trapped leg over your shin to crush the calf. Use it once you hold the truck with their leg tangled in yours.

D'Arce choke from bottom half guard

Also called Brabo choke from bottom half guard

A counter from bottom half guard: as your opponent stands to knee slice, catch a D'Arce, roll under them and come up on top in side control with the choke locked.

D'Arce choke from butterfly guard

Also called D'Arce choke from butterfly arm drag, Brabo choke from butterfly arm drag, Brabo choke from butterfly guard

A D'Arce from seated butterfly guard: take a two-on-one on your opponent's arm, pull them forward and lock the choke as you come up and over them.

D'Arce choke from knee on belly

Also called Brabo choke from knee on belly

A D'Arce choke for when your opponent turns in under your knee on belly and reaches an arm around you.

D'Arce choke from leg drag

Also called D’Arce choke from leg drag, Brabo choke from leg drag, Far-arm Brabo

A far-arm D'Arce from the leg drag: lean in over your opponent, thread under their arm and around the neck, and sprawl into side control to finish.

D'Arce choke from north-south

Also called Brabo choke from north-south

A D'Arce choke from north-south when your opponent curls in and turns onto their side. You follow them into side control and lock a figure-four around their head and arm.

D'Arce choke from side control

Also called Brabo choke from side control

A D'Arce from side control against an opponent who underhooks and comes up for a single leg. Sprawl, keep the head and arm, turn them onto their side and lock the choke.

D'Arce choke from the cradle

Also called Brabo choke from the cradle

A D'Arce from the electric cradle: switch from holding head and leg to head and arm, circle toward north-south, then settle into side control with the choke.

D'Arce choke from top half guard

Also called Brabo choke from half guard, Brabo choke from top half guard

A D'Arce from top half guard when your opponent holds a lockdown and an underhook. Lower your chest, bring your posting arm in and lock the choke around their head and arm.

D'Arce choke from turtle

Also called D'Arce choke from front headlock, Brabo choke from turtle, Darce choke, Brabo choke

The D'Arce from a sprawl over a turtled opponent: clasp their head and arm, turn them onto their side and lock the figure-four in side control.

D'Arce choke from twister side control

Also called Brabo choke from twister side control, Darce from twister side control

A D'Arce from twister side control: isolate the near arm, wrap the neck and walk around toward north-south to lock the choke.

D'Arce roll-under

Also called Brabo roll-under

When your opponent turtles against your D'Arce, roll under them with the grip on, turn them over and come on top into side control to finish.

Double armbar from feet-on-hips guard

Also called Double armbar from spider guard, Double arm lock from spider guard

A double armbar from spider guard: hold both wrists, swing your legs around your opponent's shoulders and bring your ankles together to lock both arms at once.

Electric chair submission

A groin and hip stretch from lockdown half guard: keep the deep underhook, bring their free thigh onto your shoulder and stretch their trapped leg the other way.

Flying triangle against an underhook

Also called Triangle choke against an underhook, Triangle choke counter to an underhook

A flying triangle from a standing clinch where your opponent has an underhook and you control their wrist. When they lower their head and post, you jump the triangle.

Guillotine from butterfly guard

A guillotine from butterfly guard: when your opponent's head drops low, sit up, wrap the neck and finish with their head tucked under your armpit.

Imanari roll to inside heel hook

Also called Rolling heel hook, Inverted shot to heel hook

A standing entry to leg locks: roll under your opponent's leg, wrap it with your legs, bring them down and finish an inside heel hook from the saddle.

Imanari roll to kneebar

Also called Rolling kneebar

A standing entry to a kneebar: roll under your opponent's leg, wrap it with your legs and straighten it against your hips as they sit down.

Inside heel hook from saddle

Also called Inside heel hook from honey hole

The inside heel hook from the saddle: with your opponent's leg trapped between yours, cup the heel and turn it to attack the knee.

Inside heel hook from side control

A leg attack from top side control: rise up, step over your opponent's leg and sit into the saddle to finish an inside heel hook.

Japanese necktie from dogfight

A Japanese necktie from the dogfight: wrap your opponent's head and arm, then drop your weight over them so your chest drives the choke while their leg stays tangled.

Japanese necktie from half guard

A Japanese necktie from top half guard when your opponent holds a lockdown and an underhook: trap their head and arm, stretch your free leg back and drop your weight over their neck.

Kimura from closed guard

Also called Double wrist lock from closed guard

The kimura from closed guard: when your opponent posts a hand on the mat, sit up, catch the wrist in a figure-four grip and turn the arm behind their back.

Kimura from crucifix

A kimura from the crucifix: with one of your opponent's arms trapped in your legs, catch the other in a figure-four grip and turn it behind their back.

Kimura from north-south

Also called North-south kimura

Finishing the kimura from north-south when your opponent holds their hands together to defend: break the grip, turn them onto their side and rotate the arm.

Kimura from reverse triangle

A kimura you finish while holding your opponent in a reverse triangle from underneath. Your legs keep them pinned while you turn their bent arm behind their back.

Kimura from side control

The kimura finish from side control: hold the grip, break your opponent's defence, turn them onto their side and switch your base to crank the shoulder.

Kimura from top half guard

A kimura from top half guard, caught on the arm your opponent shoots under you for the underhook.

Kimura from tornado guard

Also called Kimura from bottom half guard, Kimura from half guard, Tornado guard kimura, Are You Kidding Me Kimura

From bottom half guard with a knee shield, control the head and wrist, roll over your shoulders and come up on top in north-south to finish the kimura.

Kimura from twister side control

From twister side control, use your opponent's underhook attempt to turn chest to chest and lock a kimura on their far arm.

Kimura to arm triangle from side control

Also called Kimura to arm triangle

A side control combination: attack the kimura, and when your opponent rolls to their back to save the arm, trap it high and finish the arm triangle.

Kneebar from knee on belly

Also called Reverse knee-on-belly kneebar

From knee on belly, pivot to face your opponent's legs and sit back around one leg to straighten it into a kneebar.

Kneebar from top deep half guard

Also called Supine kneebar

On top of deep half guard, backstep to face your opponent's legs and catch a leg for a kneebar as they roll back.

Kneebar from top half guard

From top half guard, swing your free leg over, turn to face your opponent's feet and sit back to straighten their leg into a kneebar.

Monoplata from half guard

On top of half guard, flatten your opponent when they dig an underhook, trap that arm with your knee and sit into the monoplata with your leg still caught.

Monoplata from mount

Also called Shoulder lock from mount

When your opponent hugs you from bottom mount, break the hug, trap one arm around your thigh and sit off to the side into the monoplata.

Monoplata from omoplata

Also called Omoplata to monoplata

When your opponent rolls forward out of your omoplata, follow the roll with their arm still trapped and sit up into the monoplata.

Monoplata from side control

Also called Monoplata counter to a side control escape

When your opponent hugs and bridges from under side control and catches your leg, swing your free leg over their head and sit into the monoplata.

Mounted triangle

Also called Slow triangle

A triangle choke from mount: posture up, step a leg over one of your opponent's arms and wrap it around their head to lock the triangle on top.

Mounted triangle from knee on belly

Also called Triangle from knee on belly, Knee-on-belly triangle

From knee on belly, drape your leg across your opponent and swing your other leg over their head to lock a mounted triangle.

Neck crank from scarf hold

Also called Scarf hold neck crank

From scarf hold, cup the back of your opponent's head and sit up, curling their head forward to crank the neck.

North-south choke

Also called North-south choke from side control

From side control, circle around your opponent's head to north-south and sprawl, dropping your shoulder over their neck to choke.

Omoplata counter to a side control escape

Also called Omoplata from side control

When your opponent turns to their knees to escape side control, roll into an omoplata on their near arm, free your leg and sit up to finish.

Omoplata counter to the rolling escape

When your opponent forward rolls to escape your omoplata, roll with them, keep the elbow trapped and sit back up into the finish.

Omoplata from an arm-in guillotine

Also called Guillotine to omoplata, Omoplata from a guillotine, Omoplata from a guillotine choke

From an arm-in guillotine on the bottom, swing your leg over your opponent's shoulder into the omoplata, then free your leg and sit up to finish.

Omoplata from butterfly guard

When your opponent reaches around your waist in seated butterfly guard, fall back into the omoplata, free your leg and sit up to finish.

Omoplata from closed guard

The basic omoplata from closed guard: turn on your side, swing your leg over your opponent's shoulder, free your other leg and sit up to finish.

Omoplata from rubber guard

Also called Kung fu move to omoplata

From New Jersey rubber guard, keep your opponent bent over, clear your leg past their head with the kung fu move and sit up into the omoplata.

Omoplata from shin-on-biceps guard

Also called Omoplata from spider guard

From open guard with your shins on your opponent's biceps, swing a leg over their shoulder into the omoplata, then free your leg and sit up to finish.

Omoplata from triangle

Also called Omoplata from a triangle

When your opponent clasps their hands to defend your triangle, switch to the omoplata on their trapped arm and sit up to finish.

Rear naked choke

Also called RNC, Rear naked choke with an arm trapped, Pablo crush, Pablo crush choke

The classic choke from back control: your arm wraps under their chin and your other hand goes behind their head. Use it once your choking arm is around the neck.

Rear naked choke from standing back control

Also called Standing rear naked choke

A rear naked choke while you ride your opponent's back as they stand. Finish it before they can drop to the mat or shake you off.

Reverse mounted triangle from crucifix

Also called Reverse triangle from crucifix

From the crucifix, you take a kimura grip and swing a leg over their head to lock a reverse triangle on top. It gives you a tight pin with the kimura still in your hands.

Reverse triangle from closed guard

Also called Reverse triangle choke, Reverse triangle

A triangle locked the other way round. Use it from closed guard when your opponent clasps their hands to stop a normal triangle.

Rolling armbar from turtle

Also called Swim move armbar from turtle

From riding your opponent's turtle with a seatbelt, you roll over their shoulder and come out with an armbar. Eddie Bravo calls it the swim move.

Rolling toe hold from Z guard

Also called Rolling toe hold from knee-shield half guard

A foot lock from top against a knee-shield half guard: you grab their raised foot and roll over your shoulder to finish the toe hold.

Sorcerer

Also called Double armbar from rubber guard

A 10th Planet double armbar from the invisible collar: your legs wrap over both their shoulders and pinch both arms at once.

Switch figure-four triangle choke

Also called The switch figure-four, Triangle choke with a switched figure-four

A way to change your triangle lock when your opponent clasps their hands: you switch your legs and turn your hips sideways into an angled triangle.

Triangle choke counter to a single leg

Also called Triangle choke counter to single leg

When your opponent holds a single leg from their knees and you sprawl, swing a leg over their shoulder and sit back into a triangle.

Triangle choke from a guillotine grip

Also called Triangle from a guillotine grip

A triangle you switch to from a seated guillotine when the choke is not there. You lie back, pin one arm down and lock the triangle, then turn to a perpendicular angle.

Triangle choke from back control

From back control on their underhook side, you isolate an arm and bring your legs over their shoulder and head to lock a triangle from behind.

Triangle choke from butterfly guard

Also called Triangle choke from seated guard, Two-on-one triangle, Kick-through triangle, Reverse two-on-one triangle

From seated butterfly guard with a reverse two-on-one on their arm, rock back and throw your legs around their neck and arm for a triangle.

Triangle choke from clamp guard

From clamp guard, with one leg over their upper back and your knees pinching a shoulder, raise your legs into a triangle and turn to the side to finish.

Triangle choke from closed guard

Also called Triangle choke from guard, Hip bump triangle, Armbar to triangle from closed guard, Kimura to triangle from closed guard

The hip bump triangle: sit up into a hip bump, and when your opponent posts a hand to stop it, swing your leg over into a triangle.

Triangle choke from knee on belly

Also called Knee-on-belly triangle

From knee on belly, swing a leg over your opponent's head into a mounted triangle, then roll to your back with it locked.

Triangle choke from rubber guard

Also called Meat hook triangle

From the New Jersey position in rubber guard, hook your arm around their shoulder, hold their wrist and turn into a triangle at an angle.

Triangle choke from side control

When you step toward mount from side control and your opponent leaves an elbow open, swing a leg over their head and roll back into a triangle.

Triangle entry from tornado guard

Also called Triangle choke from tornado guard, Tornado guard to triangle

From Z guard with wrist and collar control, invert under your opponent and bring a leg around their head as they sprawl, setting up the triangle.

Triangle escape to inside heel hook

When you are caught in a locked triangle, posture up, wedge their legs open and pull free, then trap a leg and go straight to an inside heel hook.

Twister from truck

Also called Twister

The 10th Planet spinal lock from the truck: keep their leg trapped, take their arm over your head and twist their upper body away from their hips.

50/50 recovery against the torreando pass

Also called 50/50 recovery against the toreando pass, 50/50 entry against the bullfighter pass

When your opponent runs around your legs with a torreando pass, turn under them and wrap their leg in 50/50 before they settle at your side.

Alcatraz escape from mount

Also called Alcatraz mount escape, Lockdown recovery from mount

A 10th Planet mount escape: free your trapped arm, push their hips back, then catch one of their legs in the lockdown and get double underhooks.

Arm drag stand-up

Also called Stand-up with an arm drag

A way to get up from a seated guard against a standing opponent. You hold their arm, post a hand and stand, dragging the arm as you step to their side.

Arm-in guillotine escape from closed guard

Also called Guillotine escape from closed guard

When your opponent catches an arm-in guillotine from closed guard, put them flat on their back and pull your head free to get your posture back.

Armbar escape to closed guard

Also called Armbar escape from spiderweb, Armbar escape using connected hands

When your opponent has you in the spiderweb and your hands are still connected, keep the grip, clear your head from under their leg and turn onto your knees inside their guard.

Ashi garami escape

A way out of a straight ashi garami: pull your caught leg up and turn onto your back before your opponent can lock the foot. You end on your back facing them, ready for their leg drag.

Back escape to half guard

An escape from back control with a seatbelt: slide your shoulders to the mat, get your hips out, then turn in and trap a leg in half guard.

Backward roll escape from north-south

An escape from under north-south: roll backward over your shoulders and come down facing your opponent in Z guard with a knee shield.

Backward roll stand-up from feet-on-hips guard

Also called Backward roll stand-up from spider guard, Spider guard bail-out

A bail-out from spider guard: roll backward over your shoulder and land on your feet, ending standing in front of your opponent.

Body lock bridge escape from side control

Also called Body-lock escape from side control

A side control escape using your underhook: lock your hands around your opponent's body, bridge high and turn in to come up toward your knees.

Bridge and roll escape from arm triangle

A last-chance escape from an arm triangle in side control: bridge and roll your opponent over, then come up on top in scarf hold.

Bridge and roll escape from knee on belly

An escape from knee on belly: trap the arm your opponent holds you with, bridge and roll them over, and come up on top inside their closed guard.

Bridge and roll escape from mount

Also called Upa escape, Cop sweep, Trap and roll escape

The classic mount escape: trap one arm and the foot on the same side, bridge and roll your opponent over, and come up inside their closed guard.

Bridge and roll escape from scarf hold

Also called Scarf hold reversal, Bridge and roll headlock escape

A basic escape from scarf hold: make a frame, bridge into your opponent and roll them over to come up on top.

Bridge escape from mount to butterfly guard

Also called Upa escape to butterfly guard

Bridge your opponent forward from bottom mount, slip your knees inside and sit up into butterfly guard with double underhooks.

Bridge escape from side control

A side control escape that goes over the top: bridge and turn into your opponent, come up as they fold forward, and sprawl on them in a front chest lock.

Butterfly guard recovery against a knee slice

A guard recovery against a knee slice pass: tie up your opponent's arms, pull your knee back inside and put your butterfly hooks back in.

Butterfly guard recovery against an underhook interception

Also called Recover butterfly guard after an intercepted leg grab

When your opponent underhooks your arm and crowds forward from standing, lie back with both butterfly hooks inside and stiff arms to keep them off you.

Butterfly hook recovery against top lockdown

Also called Butterfly half guard entry

From under heavy half guard pressure, release your lockdown and thread a butterfly hook under your opponent's thigh to get to butterfly half guard.

Closed guard recovery from De la Riva

Also called Recover closed guard from De La Riva, De La Riva to closed guard

When a standing opponent drops in on your De la Riva guard to strike, wrap your legs around their waist and break their posture in closed guard.

Closed guard recovery from dogfight

From the dogfight, sit back and turn to face your opponent, close your legs around their waist and pull them in with double underhooks.

Closed guard recovery from half guard

Also called Closed guard recovery from lockdown, Full guard recovery from half guard

When your opponent knee slices through your half guard, frame to stop the pass, bring your legs back in and close your full guard.

Deep half guard retention

Keeping deep half guard when your opponent pulls back: stay under them, keep their leg close and bring them forward onto their hands again.

Dig-under escape from the omoplata

An omoplata escape from on top: posture up, dig your head under your opponent's hips and turn through to free your arm and come up behind their turtle.

Double leg escape from side control

Also called Double leg takedown from side control

A side control escape that ends in a takedown: get an underhook and a body lock, bridge and turn to your knees, then drive through both of their legs.

Double-underhook half guard recovery

When your opponent knee slices against folded-in arms, dig double underhooks, pull them across to your other side and lock down their leg.

Elbow-knee escape from mount to closed guard

Also called Elbow-knee escape from mount, Shrimp escape from mount

The elbow-knee escape from mount: turn on your side, trap a foot, shrimp to half guard, then shrimp again to bring your other knee in and close your guard.

Elbow-knee escape from mount to half guard

Also called Half guard recovery from three-quarter mount, Hip escape from three-quarter mount, Elbow-knee escape from mount, Shrimp escape from mount

An escape from three-quarter mount: turn on your side, grab the low leg, shrimp your hips out and trap that leg in half guard.

Fat man roll from turtle

Also called Arm-trap rolling reversal from turtle

A turtle reversal against a waist lock: trap one of your opponent's arms against your body and roll them over, landing on top across their upper body.

Guard recovery from flattened butterfly guard

A way back to open guard when your butterfly guard gets flattened. You push their head away, sit up to make space and lie back with your legs between you.

Guillotine escape to side control

Also called Classic guillotine escape

An escape from an arm-out guillotine on top: walk around to the side and drop your weight on your opponent so the choke loses its angle, then settle in side control.

Hail Mary mount escape

A bottom-mount escape where you swing your legs up into your opponent's armpits and roll backward out from under them, coming up in a leg entanglement.

Half guard recovery from knee on belly

Also called Leg-trap escape from knee on belly

An escape from knee on belly: wrap your legs around your opponent's posted leg, turn onto your side and frame, ending in half guard.

Heisman escape

Also called Heisman escape from side control, Heisman escape to butterfly guard

A side control escape where you stiff-arm your opponent's upper arm, sit up and scoot your hips out, then bring your legs in front for butterfly guard.

Hip escape from scarf hold to closed guard

Also called Shrimp escape from scarf hold, Hip escape from kesa gatame

An escape from a scarf-style side pin: frame against your opponent, shrimp your hips away, get a knee inside and close your guard.

Hip escape from scarf hold to open guard

Also called Shrimp escape from scarf hold, Hip escape from scarf hold

An escape from scarf hold: get your forearms between you, push hard to lift your opponent's weight, then shrimp out and bring your knees in for open guard.

Hip escape from side control

Also called Shrimp escape from side control, Elbow-knee escape from side control

The basic side control escape: frame your opponent's hip and neck, shrimp your hips away, slide a knee inside and close your guard.

Hip escape from side control to butterfly guard

A side control escape that keeps an overhook on your opponent's arm: shrimp away, bring your knees in and sit up into butterfly guard with the whizzer.

Inversion guard recovery from side control

A guard recovery from low side control: swing a leg over your opponent's head and roll onto your shoulders, ending inverted with your legs between you.

Jailbreak escape from side control

A side control escape: get your near knee in at your opponent's hip, then turn to face them and sit up into butterfly with an over-under clinch.

Kimura roll reversal from turtle

Also called Kimura roll escape from turtle, Kimura reversal from turtle, Sakuraba kimura reversal

A turtle escape: holding a kimura on the arm your opponent reaches around you with, post a foot and roll over your shoulder to flip them and land in side control.

Knee shield recovery against a knee slice

Also called Knee-shield recovery against the knee slice, Knee shield recovery against the knee slice

A guard recovery when your opponent pins your wrist and knee slices through your Z guard: pull your knee back in, rebuild the knee shield and frames.

Knee shield recovery from flattened half guard

A recovery when your opponent flattens you in half guard: plant a foot, move your hips out onto your side, frame and slide your knee back between you.

Knee-in-the-butt triangle escape

Also called Knee-in-butt triangle escape, Knee wedge escape from the triangle

An escape from a locked triangle: wedge a knee under your opponent's butt, lift your hips to loosen their legs and wiggle out, then square up in combat base.

Knee-on-belly escape to a single leg

Also called Underhook escape from knee on belly

An escape from knee on belly: turn in under your opponent, gather a leg and come up to your knees on a single leg.

Kneebar escape

A kneebar defense: keep the trapped knee bent, stay close, then post a hand and turn up to your knees with the leg free.

Leg extraction from 50/50

A way out of 50/50 when your opponent is on a heel hook: sit up over the tangled legs and kick your trapped leg free.

Leg hook escape from scarf hold

Also called Headlock escape with leg hook

An escape from scarf hold: hook your opponent's rear leg with your legs, slide under their weight and roll them over to side control.

Limp leg escape from dogfight

A way out of the dogfight when your leg is caught: keep the whizzer, let your leg go straight and slip it free, then stand up.

Mini stomp

Also called Mini stomp guard recovery, Mini stomp to lockdown

A guard recovery from quarter guard when your opponent drops into a knee slice: turn in, reset your feet around their shin and lock it into a lockdown with underhooks.

Mount escape to ashi garami

Also called Technical mount escape to ashi garami, Technical mount escape, Technical mount escape to a seated leg entanglement

An escape from technical mount: draw your knees up, turn your hips out from under your opponent and sit up with one of their legs trapped in ashi garami.

New York recovery from a blocked invisible collar

Also called Recover New York from a blocked invisible collar

A rubber guard recovery when your opponent stacks you and blocks the invisible collar: lower your hips and reset your legs back into New York.

Old stomp to butterfly guard

Also called Old stomp, Stomp to butterfly guard

A way from lockdown half guard to butterfly guard: let go of the lockdown, stomp your opponent's leg away to free yours, and bring your foot in as a hook.

Open-elbow escape against a double-under pass

Also called Open-elbow guard recovery

A guard recovery when your opponent stacks you with a double-under pass: open your elbows into frames, bring your knees back inside and turn into half guard.

Posture escape from triangle

An early triangle escape from inside the guard: straighten up and pull your head out before your opponent can lock the triangle.

Posture-and-wedge triangle escape

An escape from a locked triangle where you sit back, pry your opponent's legs apart and pull your head and arm out. Use it when the triangle is locked but not yet tight.

Quarter guard recovery from deep half guard

A way back to quarter guard when your opponent pulls back out of your deep half guard. You slide down their leg and trap the ankle instead of losing the leg.

Quarter guard recovery from side control

Also called Claw to quarter

An escape from side control where you swing your legs in to trap your opponent's lower leg, then take an underhook. You end in quarter guard with the underhook.

Reverse De la Riva guard recovery against a knee slice

Also called Reverse De La Riva retention against the knee slice

A guard save against the knee slice: you wrap your foot around their slicing leg in a reverse De la Riva hook. Use it the moment their knee starts across your thigh.

Reverse technical stand-up escape from turtle

A turtle escape against a seatbelt: you sit your hips out, turn to face your opponent and lie back into closed guard.

Rolling escape from crucifix

An escape from the crucifix where you roll backward over your shoulder, free your arm and come on top into side control.

Running escape from knee on belly

An escape from knee on belly where you turn away onto your side, tuck up, then turn back to put your legs in front and hook their lead leg in De la Riva.

Saddle escape to open guard

Also called Honey hole escape to open guard

A saddle escape where you pull your trapped leg out and come back to open guard facing your opponent.

Scarf hold escape to the truck

Also called Judo Twister entry

An escape from the scarf hold where you swing your legs up, trap your opponent's leg and rotate behind their hips into the truck.

Seated butterfly guard recovery

Also called Recover seated butterfly guard, Sit up to recover seated butterfly guard

A way to sit back up into seated butterfly guard after being pushed onto your back. Frame on their shoulders, push away and sit up with your hooks still in.

Single-leg escape from quarter guard

Also called Single leg escape from quarter guard, Wrestle-up from quarter guard

An escape when your opponent slices their knee through and you hold one leg in quarter guard: you turn in, gather their near leg and come up on your knees holding it.

Single-leg reversal from knee on belly

Also called Single-leg escape from knee on belly

A reversal from under knee on belly: you turn in, grab a leg, come up on your knees and drive your opponent down to finish on top.

Single-leg reversal from side control

Also called Single-leg escape from side control, Single leg escape from side control

A reversal from bottom side control: with an underhook in, you turn to your knees, wrap their leg and drive them down to come on top.

Single-leg stand-up from knee on belly

Also called Single-leg wrestle-up from knee on belly

An escape from knee on belly where you turn in, grab their far leg and come up to your feet holding it.

Sit-out reversal from turtle

Also called Across-side escape from turtle

A turtle escape against a seatbelt: you sit out onto one hip, bring your opponent down behind you, clear their hooks and come on top facing their legs.

Stack escape from a guard armbar

Also called Stack escape from armbar from guard

An armbar escape from inside the guard: you hold a figure-four grip, stack your opponent onto their shoulders, pull the arm free and pass to side control.

Stack escape from seated armbar

Also called Stack escape from armbar

An escape from a seated armbar: you hold a figure-four grip, turn onto your knees, stack your opponent and pass to side control.

Stand-up against butterfly guard

Also called Stand up against butterfly guard

A way to stand up from your knees against a seated butterfly guard, pinning one of their knees to the mat so they can't lift you.

Stand-up escape from body lock pass

Also called Stand-up escape from butterfly smash pass

An escape from a body lock pass: you post a hand, pull your hips back out and sprawl over your opponent's back as they keep hold of a leg.

Stand-up from 50/50

Also called Stand out to open guard top

A way out of the 50/50 heel hook position by turning to your belly and standing up, folding your opponent onto their shoulders.

Stand-up from a blocked knee slice

Also called Stand up from a blocked knee slice

When your knee slice is stopped by a hook on your lead leg, you stand up instead of forcing it, ending up standing in front of their reverse De la Riva.

Stand-up from De la Riva guard

Also called Stand up from De La Riva guard

A way to get back to your feet from De la Riva guard: push your opponent away, free your legs and stand up facing them.

Stand-up from inside single-leg X guard

Also called Stand up from inside single-leg X guard

A way to stand up when you're kneeling with a leg trapped in single-leg X, so you're not stuck on your knees under the entanglement.

Stand-up from top Z guard

Also called Stand up from Z guard, Standing half guard break

A way to stand up out of a Z guard (knee shield half guard) by pinning your opponent's knee and hip to the mat.

Stand-up from turtle

Stand up out of turtle with your opponent riding behind, one foot at a time, ending standing with their body lock to fight.

Stand-up inside butterfly guard

Also called Stand up inside butterfly guard

A top stand-up for when your opponent lies back in butterfly guard and frames you away with straight arms. You come up to your feet inside their legs so the hooks lose their lifting power.

Stand-up reversal from back mount

A reversal from turtle when your opponent has both hooks in and a seatbelt grip. You stand up with them on your back, turn under them and follow them down to side control.

Standing escape from triangle

A triangle escape where you stand up with wide feet and pull your head out. Use it as soon as your opponent's legs close around your head and arm, before the triangle is locked tight.

Standing front headlock escape

Also called Clearing a front headlock

A wrestling escape from a standing front headlock. You grab their headlock arm with both hands, pull your head out and drag the arm across to end at their side.

Step-over reversal from turtle

A turtle reversal against a seatbelt ride. You lift your hips, swing a leg over your opponent's back and roll them over, ending on top in twister side control.

Stiff-arm guard recovery

Also called Pimp-arm escape, Open elbow escape

A late guard recovery when a passer gets around your legs while you're turned away. You turn to your back, stiff-arm their shoulder, hip away and bring your knee back between you.

Technical stand-up

Also called Stand-up from seated guard, Stand up in base, Leg kick get-up

The safe way to get back to your feet when you sit on the mat and your opponent stands in front of you. You keep a hand and a foot posted, so you rise without leaving your head or legs open.

Technical stand-up from closed guard

Also called Stand up from closed guard, Getting Up 101, Getting up from guard

Getting up from bottom closed guard when your opponent kneels away from you. You sit up, hold their neck, open your legs and stand up into a staggered stance facing them.

Technical stand-up from reverse De la Riva

A get-up from reverse De la Riva against a standing opponent. You sit up, frame on their neck, pull your hook out and stand in base facing them.

Toe hold escape to butterfly guard

Also called Toe hold defence by retracting the leg

A toe hold defence from a knee shield. You pull your leg back out of your opponent's grip, frame on their shoulder and sit up into butterfly guard.

Trap and roll escape from turtle

Also called Kimura roll escape from turtle

A turtle reversal where you trap the arm your opponent reaches over you with and roll underneath, carrying them over so you end on top.

Trap-and-roll escape from turtle

Also called Hippoplatamus

From turtle, trap your opponent's arm and roll underneath them so they are carried over, coming up on top in side control.

Triangle escape to combat base

A triangle escape where you free your head, push one of your opponent's legs down and step over it into combat base, ready to pass.

Triangle escape to side control

An escape from a locked triangle where you brace, sprawl to pull your head out and walk around your opponent's legs into side control.

Turn to turtle from leg drag

Also called Turtle escape from leg drag

A leg drag defence where you turn away onto your elbows and knees before the passer settles, giving up side control for turtle.

Turn-in escape to turtle from twister side control

Also called Turtle escape from twister side control

An escape from twister side control where you turn in toward your opponent and get your knees under you, ending in turtle.

Turning escape from triangle

A triangle escape from your knees where you turn your shoulders further across your opponent to loosen the legs and pull your head out.

Turtle escape from body lock pass

Also called Turtle escape from butterfly smash pass

A body lock pass defence where you turn away from the chest pressure onto your knees and forearms before your shoulders are flattened.

Turtle escape from side control

Also called Turn-to-turtle escape from side control, Side control escape to turtle, Escape to turtle from side control, Turn-away escape to turtle from side control

The basic escape from side control to turtle. Already turned away with your elbows tucked, you roll onto your belly and bring your knees under you.

Underhook escape from side control

Also called Double underhook side control escape, Bridge escape from side control

A side control escape where you get an underhook, hug your opponent, bridge and turn to your knees, then circle behind them as they end up in turtle.

Underhook escape from side control to a single leg

Also called Underhook escape from side control

A side control escape where your underhook lets you turn in, come up on your knees and grab one of your opponent's legs while they sprawl.

Underhook escape from twister side control to a single leg

Also called Underhook escape from twister side control

An escape from twister side control where you swim an underhook, turn in to your knees and grab one of your opponent's legs as they sprawl.

Underhook stand-up

Also called Underhook stand-up from half guard, Stand-up from half guard, Stand-up from dogfight

A half guard escape where you win the underhook, come up to your knees and stand while your opponent holds a whizzer. Use it to get out from under a heavy top player and reset on your feet.

Wrist-control escape from scarf hold

Also called Wrist control escape from scarf hold, Wrist control escape from side control

An escape from under side control or scarf hold where you frame on your opponent's arms, control a wrist and swing your leg over their shoulder into clamp guard.

100% sweep from closed guard

Also called Hundred percent sweep

A closed guard sweep where you trap your opponent's arm, pull them down, lock your hands around the arm and neck, and roll them over with a butterfly hook to mount.

50/50 sweep

A sweep from 50/50 against an opponent who stands up: you tip them down to a seat, then turn, stand with the legs still tangled and stack them onto their shoulders.

Arm drag sweep from seated guard

Also called Butterfly arm drag sweep, Arm drag butterfly sweep, Arm drag sweep from open guard

A seated butterfly guard sweep: you drag your opponent's arm across, scoot to their side, grab a leg and roll them over your hook. Use it when they kneel in front of your seated guard.

Arm triangle sweep from lockdown

Also called Arm-triangle sweep from lockdown

A lockdown half guard sweep: when your opponent turns toward your legs, you lock an arm triangle on their head and arm, then hook their thigh and roll them into mount with the choke still on.

Backdoor single-leg sweep from deep half guard

Also called Deep half backdoor sweep

Go to deep half, slip out the back behind your opponent's trapped leg, and finish a single leg to come up on top.

Backdoor sweep from deep half guard

Also called Deep half backdoor sweep

A deep half guard sweep where you slip out behind your opponent and come up on your knees over their legs. Use it when they are heavy on top of your quarter or deep half guard.

Backward roll sweep against a double-under pass

Also called Backward roll escape from double-under pass, Backward roll to single-leg sweep, Backward-roll sweep against a double-under pass

An escape from the double-under stack pass: you roll backward over your shoulders to your knees, grab a leg and pull it out to come on top. Use it when your opponent has both arms under your legs and is stacking you.

Body lock sweep from butterfly guard

A butterfly guard follow-up for when your opponent squeezes their knees to stop the lift: you sit up, lock your hands around their waist and drive them onto their back.

Butterfly sweep against a knee pin

A butterfly hook sweep for when your opponent pins one of your knees to the mat. You trap their wrist, lift with your free hook and roll them into mount.

Butterfly sweep from rubber guard

A rubber guard sweep: when your opponent drives forward and pins your knee, you lift with your butterfly hook and roll them into mount.

Butterfly sweep with head-and-arm control

Also called Homie butterfly sweep

A butterfly guard sweep where you trap your opponent's head and arm together, then lift with both hooks and roll them into mount. Use it from seated butterfly once their posture is broken.

Clubbing butterfly sweep

A seated guard sweep: you drag your opponent's arm, then cup their head and roll sideways over your hook to land in three-quarter mount. Use it when they post a foot to stop your arm drag.

Clubbing butterfly sweep from Z guard

Also called Clubbing butterfly sweep against the knee slice, Clubbing butterfly sweep from half guard, Clubbing sweep

A counter to the knee slice from Z guard: as your opponent cuts through, you get a hook inside, pull their head down and roll them into three-quarter mount.

County sweep

Also called The County, Armbar sweep from closed guard

A closed guard sweep: you angle out, push your opponent's arm past your head, throw a leg over their head and roll them onto their back with the arm trapped between your legs, ready for an armbar.

Cradle sweep against the knee slice

Also called Sweep from knee slide pass

A counter to the knee slice: as your opponent settles chest to chest in quarter guard, you cradle their head and far leg and roll them over into side control.

Double ankle sweep from seated guard

Also called Double ankle sweep from butterfly guard, Double ankle sweep, Double ankle pick, Double ankle pick sweep

A butterfly guard sweep for when your opponent leans back against your lift: you let go of the underhooks, grab both ankles and push them onto their back, then follow into mount.

Double leg sweep from butterfly guard

Also called Double-leg sweep from butterfly guard, Double-leg wrestle-up, Reversal from butterfly guard

A wrestle-up from seated butterfly guard: you come up to your knees, grab both of your opponent's legs and drive them onto their hip.

Double leg sweep from feet-on-hips guard

Also called Double leg sweep from spider guard, Wrestle-up double leg from spider guard

From spider guard with wrist control, you turn up onto your knees and drive through your opponent's legs with a double leg, landing on top. A wrestle-up for when they kneel in front of you.

Double underhook butterfly sweep

Also called Double underhook push back sweep

The classic butterfly sweep with both underhooks: you pull your opponent onto you, rock back, lift with your hooks and tip them over into mount.

Electric chair sweep

A lockdown half guard sweep: you lift your opponent's free leg onto your shoulder while the lockdown stretches their trapped leg the other way, then rise as they fall back.

Far wrist control sweep from X-guard

An X-guard sweep against a kneeling opponent who leans forward: you control their far wrist, tip them onto their back and come up to knee on belly, then settle into side control.

Go-behind from octopus guard

Also called Sit-up guard go-behind

From octopus guard, with your arm over your opponent's back, you bump your hips into them and circle behind to ride their back as they turtle.

Godfather sweep

A lockdown half guard sweep: with an overhook on your opponent's arm, you bridge and roll them to that side, free your leg and settle into side control.

Half and half sweep

Also called Dogfight knee tap sweep, Knee tap sweep from half guard, Knee tap sweep from dogfight

A half guard wrestle-up against a whizzer: you come up to your knees with your underhook, block your opponent's far knee and drive them onto their hip.

Head control sweep from half guard

Also called Sweep from head control

A sweep from flat half guard: you hip escape onto your side, then bridge and roll your opponent over to come up inside their closed guard.

Helicopter sweep

Also called Helicopter

A butterfly guard sweep where you put both feet on your opponent's hips, lift them overhead and flip them onto their back, coming up holding an arm and a leg for the armbar.

Hip bump sweep

Also called Hip-heist sweep, Sit-up sweep

A closed guard sweep where you sit up into your opponent and bump them over with your hips. Use it when they posture up and sit back away from you.

Hip bump sweep from octopus guard

Also called Octopus sweep

A hip bump done from beside your opponent in octopus guard, with your arm across their back. You drive your hips into their side and tip them backward into mount.

Homer Simpson sweep

Also called Homer sweep, The Homer

A deep half guard sweep for when your opponent leans back: tip them onto their seat and come up on your knees ready to pass.

K-control roll to turtle ride

From open guard you turn to K-control with an arm under your opponent's thigh, then roll over your shoulder and come up behind them as they turtle.

Kimura sweep from tornado guard

Also called Kimura sweep from half guard, Tornado guard kimura sweep

From half guard with a knee shield, you control your opponent's wrist, invert under them and roll them over with a kimura grip, landing north-south with the arm still trapped.

Leg hook sweep against a backstep

Also called Leg hook sweep from reverse half guard, Leg hook sweep, Backstep pass counter

A counter for when your opponent backsteps out of your seated single leg into reverse half guard: you hook and lift their leg and roll them over into side control from behind.

Leg kick sweep from shin-on-biceps guard

Also called Leg kick sweep from double biceps ride, No-gi spider guard sweep, Double biceps ride sweep, Shin-on-biceps sweep

From closed guard you open into a no-gi spider guard with your shins on your opponent's biceps, then kick out their base and tip them sideways into mount.

Leg lever sweep from deep half guard

Also called Leg lever to over-under

A deep half guard sweep for when your opponent leans back: you lever their trapped leg up to tip them over and come on top in an over-under pass.

Old school sweep

Also called Old school sweep from lockdown

A classic half guard sweep from the lockdown with a deep underhook: you shift your opponent forward, come up to your knees and drive them over into side control.

Omoplata sweep

When your opponent rolls forward to escape your omoplata, you roll with them and come on top in twister side control.

Over-under butterfly sweep

Also called Body lock butterfly sweep, Over-under body lock butterfly sweep

A seated butterfly sweep from an over-under body lock: you pull your opponent onto you, fall to your side and lift with your hook to land on top.

Overhook butterfly sweep

Also called Jean Jacques sweep

A butterfly sweep with an overhook: you clamp one of your opponent's arms, fall to that side and lift with your hook to come on top in three-quarter mount.

Pendulum sweep

A full guard sweep where you turn sideways and swing your legs like a pendulum to roll your opponent over into mount.

Reverse butterfly sweep

A butterfly sweep off a wrist and elbow grip: you fall to your side holding the arm, roll your opponent over with your hook and land in side control.

Single leg sweep from reverse De la Riva

Also called Wrestle-up from reverse De la Riva

From reverse De la Riva against a standing opponent, you spin under their lead leg, come up holding it in a single leg and take them down.

Single-leg X sweep

The basic single-leg X sweep: you tip your standing opponent backward and sit up with their leg still trapped in ashi garami.

Stoner control sweep

From the electric chair, you slip under your opponent's free leg, sit up and turn them onto their back, coming on top in a leg drag while keeping the lockdown.

Sweep to mount against the twister pass

Also called Inverted half guard sweep to mount, Reverse half guard sweep to mount

A half guard counter for when your opponent turns into reverse half guard for the twister pass: you keep their leg trapped and roll them onto their back into mount.

Technical stand-up sweep from X-guard

Also called Takedown sweep from X-guard

An X-guard sweep where you stand up with your opponent's leg on your shoulder and take them down into side control. Use it when they post their hands and pull away.

Two-on-one butterfly sweep

A butterfly sweep against an opponent in combat base: grab one arm with both hands, fall to that side and lift with your hook into mount.

Underhook butterfly sweep

Also called Underhook and triceps butterfly sweep, Butterfly sweep, Triceps-and-underhook butterfly sweep

The classic butterfly sweep with an underhook and an arm trap: fall to the side of the trapped arm and lift with your hook into three-quarter mount.

Waiter sweep

A deep half guard sweep where you lift your opponent's leg, sit up and tip them onto their back, ending crouched with their leg on your shoulder. Use it when they lean their weight forward over you.

Wrist-control trip sweep from X-guard

Also called X-guard entry to wrist-control trip sweep, X-guard wrist-control trip sweep

When your opponent stands up out of spider guard, you slide under into X-guard, grab their near wrist and trip them backward, coming up on top. A standard way to sweep a standing opponent.

X-guard push sweep

An X-guard sweep: when your opponent rises off their knee, extend your hooks, sit up on their leg and tip them over, then stand up between their legs.

Aldo pass

A pass against a butterfly guard that lifts you on its hooks: post your hands, raise your hips and hop over the hooks straight into mount.

Backstep pass against a seated single leg

A pass for when you stand over a seated guard and your opponent grabs your leg: step backward around them and land in reverse side control facing their legs.

Backstep pass from deep half guard

A pass from on top of deep half guard: step your free leg back over your opponent's head, turn to face their legs, then pull your trapped leg out into twister side control.

Backstep pass from half guard

Also called Backstep pass from quarter guard, Back step pass, Backstep pass

The classic backstep from half guard: when your knee slice is blocked, swing your free leg backward over their legs, turn to face their feet and pull your trapped foot out.

Body lock leg smash pass

Also called Leg smash pass

A pressure pass where you hold a body lock with your opponent's legs folded to one side, then circle around their legs and drop into side control.

Body lock pass from butterfly guard

Also called Chest pass

A pass against seated butterfly guard: wrap your arms around their hips, put your head on their chest, drive them flat and walk past their legs.

Clear the De la Riva hook with a knee slice

Free your lead leg from your opponent's De la Riva hook by dropping your knee across their thigh, starting a knee slice pass.

Clear the reverse De la Riva hook

When your knee slice gets caught by a reverse De la Riva hook, free your leg and drive your knee across their thigh to keep passing.

Cradle pass after an electric chair sweep

Also called Cradle pass from lockdown half guard, Cradle pass from lockdown

A follow-up after sweeping with the electric chair: cradle your opponent's head and raised leg, release your lockdown and pass to side control.

Double-under stack pass

Also called Double-under pass, Double-underhook pass, Double-underhook stack pass

A pressure pass against open guard: scoop both legs, fold your opponent onto their shoulders and circle around their legs into side control.

Foot-over-foot pass

Also called Foot-over-foot pass from butterfly guard, Leg staple pass

A butterfly guard pass that flattens your opponent, clears both hooks, pins their knee and steps your foot over their ankle to walk around their legs.

Guard pass from New Jersey rubber guard

Also called Pass against a failed kung fu move

A pass against the New Jersey rubber guard: stay low, bring your arm back inside, carry their high leg over your shoulder and circle into side control.

Half guard pass to modified scarf hold

From flattening your opponent in half guard, lift your hips, pull your leg out and sit through into modified scarf hold.

Hip control pass

Also called Hip control pass from butterfly guard, Hip control pass to side control from half guard

A butterfly guard pass built on pinning the hips: flatten your opponent, back out of their hooks, clamp their bent leg and walk around to side control.

Hip switch pass to mount from half guard

A half guard pass to mount: sit to your hip with a crossface, pull your knee out across their belly, and flatten them into mount.

Hop-over leg smash pass

Also called Leg smash pass from butterfly guard, Hop-over butterfly guard pass, Hopping leg smash pass

A butterfly guard pass for when your opponent stiff-arms your head: fold their legs to one side and hop over them into side control.

Knee pin pass

Also called Knee pin step-around pass

A pass against a seated guard: pin your opponent's knee to the mat, step around it and land in knee on belly with head and arm control.

Knee pin pass from butterfly guard

A butterfly guard pass from an underhook: flatten your opponent, push their knee down to clear the hook, then slide your knee through to free your leg.

Knee pin pass from half guard

Also called Hip control pass to mount from half guard, Hip control pass from half guard

A half guard pass to mount: control knee and hip, switch your base, flatten them when they come up on an underhook, then pin the knee and slide into mount.

Knee pin pass to mount from open guard

Also called Hip control pass to mount from open guard, Hip control pass from open guard

A pressure pass where you pin your opponent's legs with your shin, flatten them when they come up on an underhook, and slide into mount. Use it once their guard is open and you are kneeling in front of their legs.

Knee pin to clear rubber guard

Clear a New Jersey rubber guard with a meat hook by driving forward and pinning your opponent's high leg down to the mat.

Knee slice pass from deep half guard

Also called Knee cut pass from deep half guard

A pass against deep half guard: drop forward for head and arm, slide your knee through their legs, then kick your trapped foot free into side control.

Knee slice pass from half guard

Also called Knee cut pass from half guard, Knee cross pass, Knee through pass, Knee slice pass from quarter guard

The standard knee slice from half guard: drop to your knees, pin their wrist with a cross grip, slide your knee across their thigh and free your leg into side control.

Knee slice pass from open guard

Also called Knee slice pass from butterfly guard, Knee through pass from butterfly guard, Knee cut pass from open guard, Knee cut pass

A knee slice against seated butterfly guard: flatten your opponent, clear their hooks, slide your knee across and sit beside them in scarf hold.

Kneeling closed guard break

Open your opponent's closed guard from your knees by holding their hips, wedging a knee under their tailbone and shifting back to pry their ankles apart.

Kneeling closed-guard break to double-under pass

Also called Kneeling closed-guard break and double underhook pass

Open your opponent's closed guard from your knees, then scoop both legs, stack them and circle into side control.

Leg drag pass

Also called Leg drag pass from butterfly guard

A butterfly guard pass: flatten your opponent, free your legs from their hooks, drag their legs to one side and walk around into side control.

Leg drag pass to mount from truck

Also called Leg drag pass from truck

From the truck, come up into a leg drag, switch your hips around and step over into mount, then flatten your opponent with a crossface.

Leg lace pass

A knee-down pass after opening the guard: hold their wrist, lace your leg around one of theirs to trap it, then knee slice through to side control.

Leg retraction pass from 50/50

Also called Leg drag pass from 50/50

A 50/50 escape where you sit out, pull your trapped leg free and pass around your opponent's legs into side control. Use it when they trap your leg in 50/50 and sit back.

Leg smash pass

A pressure pass from standing: drop to your knees on their shins, fold both legs to one side and pass, following them as they turn away.

Leg-over pass from butterfly guard

Also called Leg over butterfly guard pass, Leg-over butterfly guard pass, Leg sweep butterfly guard pass

A butterfly guard pass for when your opponent stiff-arms your shoulders: step your leg over their frame and hooks and land in side control.

Lockdown pass with hip compression

Also called Buttock compressor

A lockdown pass: hug and squeeze your opponent's hips to pry your leg free, step over their folded legs and circle behind them.

Millennium Falcon pass

Also called Millenium Falcon, Rolling pass to north-south

An acrobatic pass over a seated guard: reach down past their legs, roll upside down over them and land chest down in north-south.

Modified crab pass

A crouching pass from standing: squat into your opponent's legs, squeeze them together, scoop one leg onto your shoulder and circle to side control.

No-hand pass to mount from half guard

Also called No-hand pass to mount, No-hand pass

A lockdown pass without using your hands: pry the lockdown open with your free foot, pull your leg out and settle straight into mount.

No-hand pass to side control from half guard

Also called No-hand pass to side control

A lockdown pass without using your hands: pry the lockdown loose, knee slide into side control and kick your trapped foot free.

Over-under pass from half guard

A pressure pass from half guard: drop to an over-under grip on the legs, trap their shin and slide around into low side control.

Over-under pass from open guard

Also called Over-under pass, Over unders pass

A pressure pass against open guard: scoop under one thigh, clamp over the other, trap their shin and slide into low side control.

Over-under switch pass

Also called Over unders switch

A re-pass from low over-under side control: when your opponent throws a leg up to recover guard, switch to their other side and finish the pass.

Over-under to double-under pass

A follow-up when the over-under stalls: free your leg, switch to both arms under their thighs, clear the leg past your head and finish in side control.

Pass around butterfly guard

A simple pass against a seated butterfly guard: drive your weight into your opponent, clear their legs to one side and land in side control.

Pass around the legs after a triangle escape

Once you pull out of your opponent's triangle, turn out, go around their legs and land chest to chest in side control.

Reverse leg drag pass

A finish from the reverse leg drag: keep the crossface and underhook, step around their legs and free your leg into side control.

Reverse leg drag pass to mount

Also called Step-over pass to mount from reverse leg drag, Reverse leg drag pass

From the reverse leg drag with head and arm control, step over their hips straight into mount instead of settling in side control.

Single-under stack pass

Also called Single-under pass, One-leg stack pass, Leg-over-shoulder pass, Leg-over-shoulder stack pass

A stack pass with one arm under a leg: pin one knee, lift the other leg onto your shoulder, drive it across their body and circle to side control.

Smash pass from outside ashi

A pass when your opponent catches your leg in outside ashi: kneel, sprawl into them to flatten the legs, wrap head and arm and pass to side control.

Stack pass with a step-over

A standing stack pass: fold your opponent's knees to their chest, step over their near leg and walk around into side control.

Stand-up pass from 50/50

Also called Stand-out pass from 50/50

You turn to your belly, stand up out of 50/50 with the legs still tangled, stack your opponent onto their shoulders and walk around into side control.

Standing arm pin guard break

Also called Arm pin underhook break, Arm pin standing guard break

A standing way to open the closed guard: pin your opponent's arm with your foot, stand tall and push their knee down until the legs open.

Standing closed guard break against double underhooks

Opening the closed guard when your opponent hugs you with double underhooks: stand up lifting them, then lower them and push their legs open.

Standing guard break to knee slice pass

Also called Knee slice pass from closed guard, Knee cut pass from closed guard, Standing guard pass—shooting the knee through

A closed guard pass where you stand, drop a knee under your opponent's hips to open their legs, then slice that knee across their thigh into scarf hold. Use it when you can stand up in their closed guard.

Standing knee-wedge closed guard break

Also called Standing closed guard break, Standing knee wedge guard break

A way to open the closed guard by standing up, then dropping one knee under your opponent's hips to split their ankles. Use it when you can't open the guard from your knees.

Step-around pass from Z guard

Also called Step-around pass against knee-shield half guard

A standing pass where you walk your legs around your opponent's knee shield to the other side and settle on them as they turn away. Use it when they play Z guard and you have a wrist pinned.

Step-over pass after a double leg

Also called Step-over pass to side control

After you finish a double leg, step over your opponent's folded legs and follow them as they turn away, so you end on top behind them. Use it when they curl up after the takedown.

Step-over pass from 50/50

From 50/50 you step over to come on top, smash and sprawl on your opponent's legs, then pass around into side control. Use it to turn a seated leg tangle into top pressure.

Step-over pass to mount from 50/50

From 50/50 you step over, free your leg into a leg drag with head and arm control, then clear their legs and slide into mount.

Stoner control pass

Also called Leg drag pass from lockdown

The finish of Eddie Bravo's stoner control: with your opponent turned on their side and your leg caught in their lockdown, free the leg and pass to side control.

Three-quarter mount pass

Also called Pass from three-quarter mount to mount, Pass to mount from three-quarter mount, Crossface pass from three-quarter mount

With one foot still caught between your opponent's legs, take an underhook and pull the foot free to reach full mount.

Top lockdown pass to mount

Also called Double-underhook pass to mount

When your opponent locks down your leg from low half guard, take double underhooks, push their arms up and free your leg straight into mount.

Top lockdown pass to side control

A pass against the lockdown for when your opponent hugs over both your arms: stay heavy, free your leg and settle in side control.

Tornado pass

Also called Cartwheel pass

An acrobatic pass where you cartwheel over your opponent's butterfly guard and land in side control. Use it when they lie back with hooks ready and you are standing close.

Torreando pass

Also called Toreando pass, Bullfighter pass

A standing pass where you push your opponent's legs to one side and step around them, landing in knee on belly. Use it against an open guard with their legs up.

Twister pass from half guard

Also called Twister pass, Reverse half guard pass

A half guard pass where you turn your hips to face your opponent's legs, pin their far arm and pull your trapped leg free into twister side control. Use it when they lock down your leg in half guard.

X-guard pass

Also called X-guard break and pass

A standing pass against X guard: clear their hooks, swing your leg over their head and come down into side control.

X-pass

Also called X pass, X-pass from butterfly guard

A standing pass where you step deep between your opponent's legs, pin their hip, then kick that leg back out and circle into knee on belly. Use it against an open or butterfly guard.

Ankle pick

Also called Ankle pick from a collar tie, Collar-tie ankle pick

A standing takedown where you clear your opponent's collar tie, trap their arm, then drop and pick their ankle to put them on their back.

Arm drag to far-leg takedown

Also called Arm drag to far leg takedown

From standing, drag your opponent's arm across, step to their side and reach for the far leg to take them down into side control.

Arm drag to single leg takedown

From standing, drag your opponent's arm across, circle to their side and drop onto their near leg, then stand and drive them down.

Backdoor finish to a double leg

A double leg where you spread your opponent's arms, shoot under their hips and come out behind them holding both legs to take them down.

Barzegar finish

Also called Barzegar takedown, Single leg to double leg finish

A single leg finish where you keep your head inside, switch to the far leg and drive across your opponent to topple them into side control.

Body lock sacrifice throw

From a standing body lock you step to your opponent's side, trap their near arm and drop, rolling them over to land in side control.

Broomstick mat return

A mat return from a standing rear body lock: thread a leg between your opponent's legs and sit to the side, taking them down into back control.

Butterfly guard pull

A guard pull from a collar tie: hold the neck and triceps, sit down and roll back so your opponent falls to their knees between your butterfly hooks.

Cut-the-corner single leg takedown

Also called Single leg takedown with a corner turn

A single leg finish where you drop to a knee, circle behind your opponent's hips and drive them onto hands and knees, ending in a ride from behind.

Double leg takedown

Also called Double leg, Double leg takedown from over-under clinch

From an over-under clinch you pull your opponent sideways, drop and turn the corner onto their legs, then drive through to land in side control.

Double leg takedown against a sprawl

A finish for a double leg that got sprawled on: from your knees under their hips, pull their legs in and drive forward to tip them onto a hip and come up on top.

Drive-through double leg takedown

Also called Drive-through double leg finish against a sprawl

A double leg finish when your opponent sprawls: get your feet back under you, gather both legs and drive straight through them to land in side control.

Drop seoi nage

Also called Drop shoulder throw

A shoulder throw where you turn in from an over-under clinch, drop to both knees under your opponent and throw them over your shoulder into side control.

Fireman's carry

Also called Fireman's carry from a whizzer, Fireman's carry takedown, Kata guruma

A takedown from a standing whizzer tie-up: hold their arm, drop to your knees under them, scoop a leg, load them across your shoulders and tip them into side control.

Flying scissor takedown

Also called Kani basami, Scissor takedown

A jumping takedown from a standing collar tie: leap sideways, scissor one leg across their hips and the other behind their legs, and fold them to the mat in a leg entanglement.

Foot block knee pick from a Russian two-on-one

Also called Foot block knee pick from a two-on-one

A takedown from a two-on-one: block their foot with yours, scoop the knee on that side and tip them over into side control.

Foot hook ankle pick

Also called Inside-trip ankle pick

A standing takedown from a collar tie: catch their wrist, lower your level, hook inside their leg and pick their ankle to tip them onto their back.

Head-and-arm hip throw

Also called Hip throw from over-under clinch, Headlock throw, Head-and-arm throw, Koshi guruma

A hip throw from a standing clinch: step in, wrap their head and arm, turn your hips in front of theirs and throw them over to land in scarf hold.

Head-inside single leg takedown

Also called Head-drive single leg finish

A single leg where you rise with your head on the inside of their hip and drive your head into them to take them down.

Head-outside single leg takedown

Also called High crotch takedown, Single leg takedown, Drive-and-dump single leg

The classic single leg with your head on the outside of their hip: shoot in, rise with the leg, then drive through and dump them to the mat.

High crotch lift and dump

Also called Hip-pop lift, High crotch lift takedown

A single leg finish where, with your head outside their hip, you pop your hips into them, lift them off the mat and dump them into scarf hold.

Hip throw from an over-under clinch

A hip throw from the over-under clinch: pull your opponent to the side, turn your hips across theirs and throw them over into modified scarf hold.

Inside trip takedown

Also called Inside trip from a Russian two-on-one, Inside trip from a two-on-one, Ouchi gari

A wrestling trip where you hook your opponent's leg from the inside and drive them backward to the mat. Use it from a two-on-one tie when they lean their weight onto their heels.

Jumping guard pull

Also called Jumping guard, Guard jump, Jump to closed guard

A guard pull from standing: from an arm drag grip, jump and wrap both legs around your opponent's waist to hang in closed guard while they stay standing.

Kimura throw against a standing rear body lock

Also called Sakuraba kimura throw, Kimura sacrifice throw against a rear body lock, Kimura roll counter to rear body lock, Double wrist lock counter to rear body lock

A sacrifice throw where you lock a kimura on the arm of someone holding you from behind, drop under them and roll them over your shoulder to land on top. Use it when your opponent has a standing body lock on your back.

Knee slide to double leg takedown

Also called Knee slide double leg finish, Knee slide against a sprawl

A double leg finish when your opponent sprawls and locks your chest: slide a knee under your hips, lift into their legs and turn the corner to bring them down.

Lateral spin from a Russian two-on-one

Also called Lateral spin from a two-on-one

A throw from a two-on-one: when your opponent reaches across for your elbow, wrap their upper body and spin sideways to throw them, landing in side control.

Leg weave takedown

A standing takedown where you drop under your opponent, weave your legs around one of theirs and roll them over to land on top in reverse half guard.

Leg weave takedown from a whizzer

Also called Leg weave takedown

A takedown from a standing whizzer: hook their standing leg, drop sideways and roll them over the hook to finish in side control.

Leg-hook mat return from rear body lock

Also called Leg hook takedown

A mat return from a body lock at your opponent's side: block their leg, drag them down by the waist and ride them in turtle.

Osoto gari

Also called Major outer reap, Outside leg reap, O-soto-gari

The judo outer reap: control your opponent's neck and wrist, push their weight onto their heel, reap the leg from outside and follow into scarf hold.

Outside trip arm throw from a Russian two-on-one

Also called Outside trip arm throw from a two-on-one, Russian to arm throw trip

A throw from a two-on-one: when your opponent reaches across for your elbow, switch to their arm, trip their leg from outside and land in modified scarf hold.

Rear body lock takedown against a kimura grip

Also called Double leg takedown against a kimura counter

A counter when your opponent catches a kimura grip on your arm while you hold a rear body lock: step around to their side and take both legs before they can roll.

Rear body lock to turtle ride

Also called Rear body lock mat return

A simple mat return from a rear body lock: drop to your knees behind a bent-over opponent, bring them down to hands and knees and ride their turtle.

Rear crotch lift takedown

Also called Crotch lift mat return, Crotch-lift takedown from rear body lock, Crotch rocket, Crotch lift takedown

A takedown from your opponent's side or back: reach between their legs and over their shoulder, lift them from behind and tip them onto their back into side control.

Single leg takedown against a technical stand-up

A single leg you catch as your opponent stands up from the mat with a hand posted. Meet them as they rise, lift the leg with your head on their chest and drive them down into their open guard.

Single leg takedown from a collar tie

Also called High single leg takedown, High single takedown

A high single leg off your opponent's collar tie. Clear the tie with wrist and triceps grips, shoot, stand up with the leg and lift their ankle to drop them into a leg drag.

Single leg to double leg takedown

A chain from a single leg into a double when your opponent rides your leg by hooking it with theirs. Grab their far leg too and drive them down to side control.

Single-leg X guard pull from a single leg

Also called Single leg X guard pull from a single leg

A guard pull into single-leg X when your standing single stalls and your opponent rides your leg. Sit under their captured leg and wrap it with your legs.

Sit-back mat return from rear body lock

Also called Rear body lock takedown with knee blocks

A rear body lock takedown: block behind your opponent's knees with your feet and sit back, landing seated behind them with a seatbelt.

Snapdown go-behind

From a collar tie and triceps grip, snap your opponent down to hands and knees and circle behind into a seatbelt ride on their turtle.

Snapdown to front headlock

Also called Snapdown, Snapdown from an underhook and collar tie, Snapdown takedown

From a collar tie and underhook, snap your opponent down to their hands and knees and sprawl into a front headlock.

Sweep single leg takedown

Also called Sweep single with far-knee finish

A low single where you drop to a knee, circle outside the leg and grab the far knee to drive your opponent down, ending behind them.

Trip from a Russian two-on-one

Also called Trip from a two-on-one

Shrug off your opponent's collar tie, take a two-on-one on their arm, then trip them backward and land in knee on belly.

Uchi mata

Also called Uchi mata from a collar tie, Inner thigh throw, Uchi-mata

A judo throw from a collar tie and triceps grip: turn in, lift through your opponent's inner thigh and throw them, then land in knee on belly.

Web guard pull

Also called Jump to web guard

A flying guard pull where you jump up and wrap your legs high around your opponent's arm and shoulder, hanging from them upside down. Use it from a collar tie when you want to pull guard straight into an arm attack.

Whizzer guard pull

Also called Overhook guard pull

From a standing whizzer, jump your legs around your opponent's waist and drop to closed guard, keeping the overhook and head control.

Whizzer sweep

From a standing whizzer, drop back with the overhook, lift your opponent with a leg hook and roll through to land in mount.

100% back take from half guard

Also called 100 percent back take from half guard, 100% back take, Rolling back take from top half guard

From top half guard with a head-and-arm wrap, shoulder roll through and pull your opponent with you, coming out behind them with a seatbelt and both hooks.

Arm drag back take against deep half guard

Also called Forward roll to arm drag back take, Forward roll to arm drag to the back, Forward roll arm drag back take from top deep half guard, Arm drag back take from deep half guard

A back take from deep half guard: when your opponent reaches under your armpit, you drag their arm across, come out from under them and catch their back as they turtle. Use it when the top player leans forward on you in deep half.

Arm drag back take from butterfly guard

Also called Backward arm drag

From butterfly guard, drag your opponent's arm across, scoot to their side and sit behind them with a seatbelt and both hooks.

Arm drag back take from closed guard

Also called Overwrap to back

From closed guard, pull your opponent's head down, angle out and push their arm past your head, then follow it around to their back.

Arm drag back take from half guard

Also called Taking the back from knee grip

From bottom half guard, sit up, drag your opponent's arm across and scoot past their shoulder to take their back with a seatbelt and both hooks.

Arm drag back take from standing

Also called Arm drag to back take, Standing arm drag back take

From standing, drag your opponent's arm, circle behind to a waist lock, then jump on their back with both hooks and fall into back control.

Arm drag to rear body lock

Also called Standing arm drag to the back, Standing arm-drag back take, Arm drag to standing back control

From standing, drag your opponent's arm across and circle behind them to lock a rear body lock, ready for a mat return.

Back control recovery through truck

When your opponent's shoulders slip to the mat as they escape your back, keep their leg tangled, seatbelt them and roll back into back control with both hooks.

Back take against a side control underhook escape

A counter to the side control underhook escape: when your opponent turns to their knees, sprawl, circle behind with a seatbelt and roll them into back control.

Back take against a turtle stand-up

Also called One leg up counter

A counter for when your opponent tries to stand up out of turtle: you stay attached, drag them down onto you and take their back with one leg trapped. Use it when they plant a foot to rise while you ride their turtle.

Back take from truck

From the truck, push your opponent's raised leg away, sit up behind their hips and climb onto their back with a seatbelt and both hooks.

Backdoor back take from deep half guard

Also called Backdoor back take from deep half

From bottom deep half, slip out behind your opponent's hips, rise to a waist lock as they grab your leg, then jump on their back with both hooks.

Backstep rolling back take from half guard

Also called Backstep rolling back take from quarter guard, Backstep to rolling back take, Back step and roll to back, Rolling back take from half guard

A top half guard counter to a single leg: back step away from your opponent's grab, roll underneath through the truck and come up on their back.

Berimbolo back take from kneebar entanglement

A berimbolo from the leg tangle of a kneebar escape: as your opponent inverts beside you, spin under their hips and come up behind them with a seatbelt.

Berimbolo from De la Riva guard

Also called De la Riva back take, De la Riva to Goes guard berimbolo

A De la Riva attack against a standing opponent: trip them down to sitting, then invert under their hips and spin to their back with a seatbelt.

Berimbolo from double guard

A berimbolo when you and your opponent are both seated with legs tangled: invert under their hips and come up behind them with a seatbelt.

Berimbolo from reverse De la Riva

A reverse De la Riva attack: trip your standing opponent onto their backside, then invert under their hips and spin to their back.

Berimbolo from reverse leg drag

Also called Berimbolo back take from reverse leg drag

A berimbolo from on top: from reverse leg drag, invert under your opponent's hips as they sit up and come out behind them.

Cartwheel back take from a sprawl

Also called Cartwheel back take from front headlock, Marcelo

A counter to a double leg: sprawl with your opponent's head and arm wrapped, then cartwheel over their shoulder onto their back.

Chair sit back take

Also called Chair sit back take from side control, The chair sit, Chair sit

A back take from side control: with a seatbelt and one hook in, sit down behind your opponent, pull them into your lap and fall to your side for both hooks.

Chair sit back take against a hip bump sweep

Also called Back take against a hip bump sweep

A counter when your opponent sits up for a hip bump sweep from closed guard: get behind them as they turn and sit down into back control.

Chair sit back take from knee on belly

Also called Back take from knee on belly

A back take from knee on belly: when your opponent rolls away from you, follow them, sit down behind them and fall to your side for both hooks.

Chair sit back take from leg drag

Also called Back take from leg drag

A back take from the leg drag: when your opponent turns away from your pressure, get a seatbelt and a hook and sit down behind them.

Chair sit back take from technical mount

A back take from mount: when your opponent rolls onto their side, wrap a seatbelt, put a hook in and sit down behind them.

Chair sit back take from top half guard

Also called Half guard pass to the back

A pass to the back from quarter guard: free your leg as your opponent turns away, take a seatbelt, put a hook in and sit down behind them.

Crucifix entry from a stack pass

A pass to the crucifix: stack your opponent's legs over their head, then trap an arm between your legs and roll them face up.

Crucifix from guard against a double-under pass

Also called Crucifix from guard

A counter from guard when your opponent stacks you in a double-under pass: sit up, trap an arm with your leg and roll them into the crucifix.

Crucifix from side control

A crucifix from side control when your opponent turns in to their knees: follow them, trap their underhook arm with your leg and roll into the crucifix.

Double underhook back take from butterfly guard

A back take from seated butterfly guard: with double underhooks, rock back and lift your opponent with your hooks, then come up behind them as they land on their hands.

Duck under to rear body lock

Also called Duck under to the back, Standing back take from a duck under, Duck-under back take

A standing go-behind from a collar tie: duck under your opponent's arm, circle to their side and lock your hands around their waist from behind.

Jumping back take from rear body lock

A standing back take: from a rear body lock, jump onto your opponent's back, put both hooks in and fall to your choking-arm side.

Leg lever back take from deep half guard

Also called Leg lever to back position

A back take from deep half guard: lift your opponent's trapped leg as they lean forward, slide out behind their hips and sit up behind them.

Rolling back take from reverse leg drag

Also called Twister roll back take from reverse leg drag

A rolling back take from reverse leg drag: roll underneath your opponent through the truck and come up on their back with both hooks.

Rolling back take from three-quarter mount

Also called Twister roll back take from three-quarter mount

A rolling back take from three-quarter mount: lock up your opponent's trapped leg, turn toward their feet and roll through the truck to their back.

Seatbelt back take from front headlock

A back take on a turtled opponent from a front headlock: let go of the head, circle to their side, take a seatbelt and put both hooks in.

Seatbelt back take from turtle

A back take on a turtled opponent: take a seatbelt, wedge your knee by their hip and roll them over onto you with both hooks in.

Shoulder lift back take from turtle

Also called Shoulder lift to hooks

A back take on a turtled opponent: control their shoulder and hip, step both hooks in, then lower your chest and lock a seatbelt.

Single hook roll back take

Also called Single hook roll

A back take from beside a turtled opponent: get one hook in, and when they block the second, lock a seatbelt and tip them sideways onto your choking-arm side.

Single leg to rear body lock

From a single leg on your knees, come up and circle behind your opponent into a standing rear body lock.

Single-leg back take from knee-on-belly escape

Escape knee-on-belly by turning in and grabbing a leg; when your opponent turns away onto all fours, come up behind them and jump to their back.

Single-leg back take while passing butterfly guard

Pass a seated butterfly guard by tying up one leg, then come up behind your opponent as they rise and jump to their back.

Stack pass to back take

Also called Guard pass to back take, Back take from a stack pass, Passing to back position

Pass the open guard by pinning one knee and lifting the other leg onto your shoulder; when your opponent turns away to their knees, climb on with both hooks and a seatbelt.

Underhook back take from half guard

Also called Back take from half guard

From bottom half guard, win the underhook, come up to your knees and get behind your opponent, then seatbelt and roll them into back control.

50/50 entry from crab ride

From the crab ride behind your opponent's hips, turn underneath them and wrap one of their legs into 50/50 as they turn to face you.

50/50 entry from seated guard

Also called Sitting guard leg drag to 50/50

From seated guard against a standing opponent, scoot under them, grab both ankles and turn into 50/50 around one leg.

50/50 entry from seated leg drag

Also called Reverse heel hook to 50/50

From a seated leg drag with your opponent's leg across your lap, sit back and trap their leg into 50/50.

50/50 entry from top open guard

Also called Straight ankle lock to 50/50, 50/50 entry from top open guard, 50/50 entry against a straight ankle lock

From standing over an open guard, you catch an ankle and sit into a leg entanglement. When your opponent turns in against it, the legs end in 50/50.

50/50 entry from top X-guard

Standing in your opponent's X-guard, sit back and trap their leg into 50/50, wrapping their heel.

Air 300

A rolling entry against a seated opponent: reach over them, roll forward over your shoulder beside them and come out underneath their hips.

Arm drag to X-guard from butterfly guard

Also called X-guard entry from butterfly guard, Arm drag to X-guard, Arm drag entry to X-guard from butterfly guard, X-guard entry from butterfly arm drag

From seated butterfly guard, drag your opponent's arm across, and when they post a foot, drop under that leg into X-guard.

Back control to mount

Also called Follow a back escape to mount

When your opponent escapes back control by turning in and trapping your foot, crossface them flat, free your foot and settle in mount.

Backstep to reverse half guard

Standing in your opponent's half guard, drop your knee across their thigh, then step your free leg back and turn to face their feet in reverse half guard.

Body lock entry from butterfly guard

Also called Two-on-one to butterfly body lock

Kneeling in front of a seated butterfly guard, you free your arm from their two-on-one and lock your hands around their back with one arm under and one over. It shuts down their arm drags and sets up passing.

Butterfly ashi entry from outside ashi

Against a standing opponent, switch from outside ashi to butterfly ashi by changing your outside leg to a butterfly hook while keeping their ankle tight.

Butterfly guard entry from feet-on-hips guard

From double underhooks with your feet on your opponent's hips, pull them in and slide your feet down into butterfly hooks.

Capoeira pass to mount

Also called Capoeira pass

From knee-on-belly, pivot to face your opponent's legs, then post your hands and swing your leg over into mount.

Cement mixer

Also called Cement job

A wrestling turnover from the front headlock: lock up your opponent's head and arm, step around and roll them onto their back into side control.

Chill dog entry

Also called Clear the neck

From New York in rubber guard, circle your hand around your opponent's head to clear it and regrip your shin, settling into chill dog.

Circle behind turtle

Also called Go-behind from turtle

From across your turtled opponent's lower back, circle around their hips and settle directly behind them.

Clamp guard entry

From closed guard, swim your hands inside your opponent's arms, open your guard and pinch your legs around their shoulder in the clamp.

Climb from low mount

Move from low mount up your opponent's body into a higher mount by walking your knees up their sides.

Closed guard entry from seated guard

Also called Closed guard entry from butterfly guard

From a reverse two-on-one in seated butterfly guard, lean back, swing a leg up and pull your opponent forward into a closed guard with their posture broken.

Cocoon guard entry from butterfly guard

A way to break your opponent's posture from butterfly guard when you have an overhook: lean back and fold them forward over your knees into cocoon guard.

Crab ride breakdown

A way to break a standing opponent down from the crab ride: you push their knees forward with your hooks so they fall to their hands and knees, then come up on their back. Use it when you are under and behind them with your legs hooked inside theirs.

Cross-grip two-on-one entry from closed guard

Also called Double biceps ride to cross-grip two-on-one, Cross-grip two-on-one guard entry

A closed guard entry that pulls the head down, pummels your shins onto their biceps, then takes a two-handed grip on one arm as you turn to your side.

De la Riva entry from reverse De la Riva

Switch from reverse De la Riva to De la Riva against a standing opponent by taking your inside hook out and hooking around the outside of their lead leg.

De la Riva guard entry from Goes guard

Switch from Goes guard back to De la Riva against a standing opponent by freeing the far-knee hook and wrapping an outside hook around their lead leg.

Deep half guard entry

Also called Deep half guard entry from half guard, Deep half guard entry from an arm drag

From bottom half guard, sit up and drag their arm across, scoot past their shoulder and slide under their hips into deep half guard.

Deep half guard entry from dogfight

From the dogfight on your knees, dive under your opponent's hips and turn onto your back hugging their leg to land in deep half guard.

Dogfight entry from half guard

Also called Come up to dogfight from half guard, Underhook escape from half guard, Underhook come-up from half guard

From bottom half guard with an underhook against their whizzer, come up onto your knees beside your opponent into the dogfight.

Double bag entry

Also called Double bagging

From New York, bring your second leg up onto your opponent's back and hold both legs high, keeping their posture broken.

Double outside ashi entry from straight ashi garami

Also called Outside ashi entry from straight ashi garami, Double outside ashi transition

From straight ashi garami, bring your inside leg out so both legs sit outside your opponent's trapped leg.

Double wrist breakdown from back mount

Riding on top of a turtle, grab both wrists from under their arms and drive forward to flatten your opponent onto their belly.

Electric chair entry

From lockdown half guard with a deep underhook, slide under your opponent and scoop their free thigh onto your shoulder to split their legs in the electric chair.

Electric cradle

After the electric chair sweep, wrap your opponent's head and raised leg and fold the knee to the head for a cradle pin while keeping the lockdown.

Far-arm trap to mount from turtle

Also called Arm-trap turnover to mount

From a seatbelt beside the turtle, wedge a knee under the near elbow, trap the far arm and turn your opponent over, stepping into high mount.

Feet-on-hips guard entry from butterfly guard

From seated butterfly guard, grab both wrists and roll back to put both feet on your opponent's hips.

Flatten opponent from rear side control

From side control behind a turned opponent with double underhooks, drive your chest in and widen your base to flatten them onto their back.

Flying New York entry from closed guard

Also called Failed hip bump to flying New York, Flying New York entry

A rubber guard follow-up for a failed hip bump: when your opponent drives you back down, you throw a leg over their shoulder and lock the New York. Use it when your sit-up sweep from closed guard gets stopped.

Follow the turn to turtle with a seatbelt

When your opponent turns to their knees from side control, follow them, lock a seatbelt and wedge a knee under their elbow.

Game Over entry from ashi garami

From ashi garami, sit up and cross your outside leg over their thigh, threading your foot inside to trap the leg across your lap in Game Over.

Gator roll

Also called Gator roll from front headlock

From a sprawl with your opponent's head and arm wrapped, roll onto your shoulder and back while keeping the head and arm locked.

Go-behind from a front sprawl

Also called Go-behind from front headlock

From a sprawl in front of the turtle, switch to head-and-arm, open up and circle to your opponent's hips to take rear waist control.

Goes guard entry from De la Riva

Switch from De la Riva to Goes guard against a standing opponent: free the outside hook, put a foot on their hip and hook behind their far knee.

Head-and-arm turnover from turtle

Also called Vice-grip turnover from turtle

From a sprawl over the turtle, clasp a head-and-arm grip and roll your opponent onto their back, following into side control.

Hip switch from scarf hold to side control

Also called Switch from scarf hold to side control, Switch to regular side control, Hip switch from modified scarf hold to side control

From modified scarf hold, turn your hips down to the mat and settle chest to chest in side control.

Hip switch from side control to modified scarf hold

Also called Switch from side control to modified scarf hold, Switch to kuzure kesa gatame

From side control with a crossface, swing your legs through and switch your hips into modified scarf hold.

Hip switch from side control to scarf hold

Also called Scarf hold transition from side control, Switch to judo side control, Switch to kesa gatame

A top switch from low side control into scarf hold: you turn your hips toward their head and sit through. Use it when they frame or push on your hips and side control gets hard to hold.

Hippoplatamus to top control

A Ryan Hall omoplata follow-up: from the hippoplatamus, where your legs are wrapped around their arm and shoulder, you roll them over and come out on top in side control.

Imanari roll

Also called Inverted shot

A rolling leg entry from standing: you drop and roll under their leg, wrap it with your legs and bring them down into the saddle. Use it to skip guard and go straight to leg locks.

Imanari roll from a single leg

An Imanari roll from a high single leg: you keep the leg, drop under it and roll into an upside-down leg entanglement. Use it when the single leg stalls and they balance on one foot.

Invisible collar entry

A rubber guard step from chill dog: you bring your second leg up and hook your legs together around their neck and shoulder. It keeps them folded forward and sets up the next rubber guard attacks.

Kiss of the dragon to crab ride

Also called Reverse De la Riva inversion to crab ride

An inversion from reverse De la Riva: you spin under your standing opponent while holding both ankles and come up behind their hips in crab ride. Use it to take the back of a standing passer.

Knee knot entry

A leg entanglement from game over: you weave your legs around both of theirs and tie their knees together. It stops them turning or pulling a leg free.

Knee on belly after a throw

A follow-up to a throw: you stay standing over them and drop a knee onto their belly. It pins them before they can turn or recover guard.

Knee on belly from side control

A basic top move from side control: you rise up and put your knee on their belly. Use it to add pressure and to open attacks like the armbar or mount.

Knee on belly from twister side control

A top switch from twister side control: you rise off their chest, turn to face them and put a knee on their belly. It opens the knee on belly attacks from the reverse side.

Knee on belly to scarf hold

A top switch from knee on belly to scarf hold: you slide off the knee and sit beside them. Use it when they push on your knee and you want a heavier pin.

Lockdown entry from half guard

Also called Lockdown, Lockdown entry

A half guard leg lock-up: from a flattened half guard you lace your legs around their trapped leg and stretch it out. It stops their pass and sets up lockdown sweeps.

Meat hook entry from New Jersey

A rubber guard step from New Jersey: you turn on your side and hook your arm around their shoulder. It pins their shoulder and sets up the butterfly sweep.

Mission control entry

Also called Rubber guard entry

The first rubber guard step: from closed guard with their posture broken, you raise a leg across their upper back and grab your own shin. It keeps them folded down and opens the rubber guard attacks.

Mount from a double-leg finish

Also called Mount entry after a double leg

A follow-up to a double leg takedown: you bring your knees up and step over into low mount before they can recover guard.

Mount from knee on belly

A top move from knee on belly to mount: you flatten them with a head wrap and slide your knee across. Use it when they fight from underneath with an underhook.

Mount from side control

A basic way from side control to mount: you clear their near elbow, then slide your knee across their belly. Use it to move up to the strongest top position.

Muddy Waters entry

A rubber guard step from invisible collar: you pull their elbow across your chest and bring your knee up to trap the arm. It sets up the armbar.

Near-side 50/50 entry from X-guard

A leg entanglement from X-guard: you sit back and wrap their near leg in 50/50. Use it to bring a standing opponent down and set up a heel hook.

New Jersey entry from butterfly guard

Also called Rubber guard entry from butterfly guard, Flip-and-shoot

A rubber guard entry from butterfly guard with an overhook: you get a collar tie, rock back and shoot your leg high over their shoulder.

New York crackhead entry

Also called Crackhead control entry

A rubber guard chain from broken posture: you go to rubber guard, trap their arm with the zombie, then hook your feet above their back. It holds them folded down under both your legs.

New York entry from closed guard

Also called New York from closed guard, New York rubber guard entry, New York from overhook closed guard

A rubber guard entry from closed guard: with an overhook and a collar tie, you bring a leg across their upper back and grab your shin. It locks them in New York.

New York entry from mission control

Also called New York entry, Zombie to New York

The zombie step in rubber guard: from mission control, you push their hand to the mat and overhook the arm to reach New York.

North-south transition from twister side control

A top switch from twister side control to north-south: you circle around their head while keeping your chest on them. It sets up the north-south attacks like the D'Arce.

Octopus guard entry from closed guard

A guard move from closed guard: you sit up to one side and reach over their back to get beside them in octopus guard. It sets up the back take and the hip bump sweep.

Octopus guard entry from half guard

From bottom half guard, sit up beside your opponent and reach around their back. You end up at their side with their leg still trapped, ready to sweep or take the back.

Outside ashi entry from single-leg X

Switch from single-leg X to outside ashi when your opponent stands tall. Both your legs go to the outside of their leg and clamp it for leg lock attacks.

Over-under clinch entry

Close the distance from standing and lock one underhook and one overhook chest to chest. It is a common clinch for throws, trips and takedowns.

Over-under clinch entry from butterfly guard

Also called Over-under clinch from butterfly guard

From seated butterfly guard with one underhook, wrap over your opponent's other arm and pull them into your chest. You end in a tight over-under clinch from bottom.

Overhook entry from knee-shield half guard

From knee-shield half guard with your wrist pinned, sit up, fake a sweep and wrap over your opponent's arm. You keep half guard with a tight overhook for back takes and sweeps.

Pablo lockdown control

Also called Lock down control

Against a seated opponent, push them onto their back and drop both knees over their butterfly hooks. It pins their legs so they cannot elevate you as you start passing.

Pummel for an underhook

In a standing clinch, swim your arm inside your opponent's to win an underhook. You finish with one underhook and one overhook instead of being controlled.

Rat guard entry

From closed guard with your opponent's posture broken, wrap your arm over their head and grab your own thigh. It traps their head and arm low in a tight guard for MMA or no-gi.

Release the cradle into side control

Let go of an electric cradle and settle chest to chest in side control. Use it when the cradle is not going anywhere but you want to keep top pressure.

Reverse De la Riva entry from De la Riva

Switch from De la Riva to reverse De la Riva when a standing opponent pushes your knee or steps around. Your other leg takes over the hook on their lead leg.

Roll to guard from a mounted triangle

From a mounted triangle, roll onto your back while keeping the triangle locked. Use it when the mounted finish is not working and you want the classic guard triangle angle.

Rubber guard entry against a double leg

When your opponent shoots a low double leg, fall back into guard and throw a leg high over their shoulder. You land in rubber guard with a meat hook before they can pass.

Russian two-on-one entry

Also called Russian two-on-one from a collar tie, Russian tie, Two-on-one tie, Two-on-one counter to a collar tie

Shrug off your opponent's collar tie and grab their arm with both hands, pulling it to your chest. The two-on-one sets up trips, knee picks and back takes.

S-mount entry

Also called S-mount transition, Mount to S-mount

From mount with a head and armpit grip, lean forward, walk a knee up beside their head and turn your hips into S-mount. It isolates an arm for armbars and chokes.

Saddle entry from butterfly guard

Also called Reverse butterfly to honey hole, Honey hole entry from reverse butterfly

From seated butterfly guard, grab a two-on-one, roll your opponent over with a reverse butterfly sweep, then sit up and wrap their leg in the saddle.

Saddle entry from double seated guard

Also called Honey hole entry

When both of you are seated, pull your opponent's leg across your body and turn sideways to trap their thigh. You land in the saddle ready for heel hooks.

Saddle entry from electric cradle

Also called Saddle entry from top half guard, Saddle entry from lockdown half guard, Honey hole entry against lockdown

From the electric cradle on top of a lockdown, turn your hips out, sit and wrap your opponent's leg in the saddle. It turns a stalled top half guard into a leg attack.

Saddle entry from leg drag

Also called Honey hole entry from leg drag

From a leg drag, sit back and turn your hips to trap your opponent's leg between your thighs. It turns a top passing position into the saddle.

Saddle entry from top half guard

Also called Saddle entry from half guard, Honey hole entry, 411 entry

From top half guard, drop your knee across their thigh, back step to face their feet and sit into the saddle. It turns a stuck half guard pass into a leg attack.

Seatbelt and first-hook setup from side control

Also called Chair sit entry, Seatbelt back take from side control

When your opponent turns away in side control, follow them with a seatbelt and put your first hook in. It sets up the chair sit to take the back.

Seatbelt breakdown from turtle

Also called Turtle breakdown to modified scarf hold

With a seatbelt on a turtled opponent, slide your knee under their near elbow and turn them onto their back. You land on top in a modified scarf hold.

Shin-on-biceps guard entry from butterfly guard

Also called Double biceps ride entry from butterfly guard, Shin-on-biceps spider guard entry

From seated butterfly guard, grab both of your opponent's arms, rock back and put your shins against their biceps. It controls both arms for sweeps and omoplatas.

Shin-on-biceps guard entry from closed guard

Also called Double biceps ride entry from closed guard, Shin-on-biceps spider guard entry

From an open closed guard at a distance, bring both knees inside and put your shins on your opponent's biceps. It is a strong no-gi arm control guard.

Shin-on-biceps guard entry from half guard

Also called Spider guard entry from half guard

From half guard, square your hips and bring both shins against your opponent's biceps. It moves you from a pinned half guard to arm control.

Shoulder pin entry from closed guard

Also called Shoulder pin guard entry, Lazy Susan to shoulder pin, Underhook shoulder pin from closed guard

From an open closed guard, fake a pendulum sweep and bring your legs high around one shoulder. You end with their shoulder pinned and a biceps grip, setting up triangles.

Side control from knee on belly

From knee on belly, flatten your opponent and drop your knee into side control with their head and arm held. Use it when their underhook makes knee on belly shaky.

Single-leg X entry from butterfly guard

Also called Single-leg X-guard entry from butterfly guard, Anaconda guard entry, Blast to SLX, Reverse butterfly to single-leg X

From seated butterfly guard with an underhook, rock back and wrap both legs around one of your kneeling opponent's legs to enter single-leg X. Use it when they stay heavy and kneeling in front of you.

Single-leg X entry from seated guard

Also called SLX entry from seated guard

From seated guard against a standing opponent, grab both ankles, sit underneath and wrap one leg into single-leg X. Use it when they stand in front of you without gripping.

Sit-up guard entry

Open your closed guard and sit up onto an elbow, reaching over your opponent's shoulder to reach sit-up guard. Use it when their posture is broken and a hand is posted on the mat.

Sliding entry to ashi garami

From a standing collar tie with wrist control, sit down under your opponent and slide your hips through into ashi garami. Use it to start a leg attack straight from the feet.

Smash to half guard

Close the distance on a seated opponent, drive them flat and land chest to chest in their half guard with an underhook. Use it to get past a seated guard before it can work.

Spiderweb entry from mount

Also called Smashing Web

A path from mount to the spiderweb: you post up, threaten a strike, slide into S-mount and sit back with their arm. Use it when your opponent covers up under mount and gives you an arm to attack.

Standing whizzer

When your opponent drops and swims an underhook from the collar tie, clamp it with a whizzer and sink your weight on their shoulder. Use it to shut down their underhook before they can shoot.

Straight ashi garami entry from top open guard

Also called Straight ashi garami entry from open guard, Ashi garami entry from combat base, Ashi garami entry from top open guard, Straight ashi entry

Standing over an open guard, catch an ankle and sit back to trap the leg in straight ashi garami. Use it when your opponent leaves a leg extended in front of you.

Switching sides on a turtle ride

Riding your opponent's turtle with hip and shoulder control, travel across their back to the other side without losing pressure. Use it to follow them when they turn or to attack the other side.

Thread the needle entry to 50/50

Also called Thread the needle

From deep half guard, post your hands, turn upside down and thread your leg through to come out in 50/50. Use it when your opponent leans forward on you in deep half.

Tiptoe mount from twister side control

Also called Mount from twister side control, Tiptoe mount, Trickster

From twister side control, walk a leg across your opponent's belly on your toes and turn into mount with head and arm control. Use it to take mount without giving room to bridge.

Tony Montana entry from saddle

Also called Tony Montana entry from honey hole

From the saddle, when your opponent sits up toward you, fold their free leg across the trapped one to control both legs in the Tony Montana. Use it to stop their escape and set up heel hooks.

Tornado guard entry

From the half guard knee shield, control the head and wrist, switch to a forearm frame and roll onto your shoulders into tornado guard. Use it to go upside down under a kneeling opponent and open sweeps.

Truck entry from a stack

Standing over a supine opponent, fold their legs to their shoulders and roll down beside their hips into the truck. Use it when they lie flat with their legs out in front of you.

Truck entry from turtle

Also called Truck entry from turtle ride, Twister roll from turtle

Riding on top of your opponent's turtle, shift back to their lower back, hook a leg, grab the other ankle and roll sideways into the truck. Use it when they stay tight in turtle and won't give the back.

Turn the corner to a side body lock

From a standing over-under clinch, pull your opponent across, drop and circle around their side, then stand up into a side body lock with their arm trapped. Use it to get an angle when they square up in the clinch.

Turtle breakdown to side control

Also called Turtle turnover to side control

From alongside your opponent's turtle, tip them onto their side and follow them down into side control. Use it to break a turtle down when you can't take the back.

Twister roll from mount

Also called Truck entry from mount

When your opponent turns and traps your foot from bottom mount, turn toward their legs, grab a foot and roll into the truck. Use it to punish their half guard recovery instead of fighting for your foot.

Twister roll from twister side control

Also called Truck entry from twister side control

From twister side control, when your opponent turns in, grapevine their leg, gather the free leg and roll into the truck. Use it when they turn toward you to escape.

Twister side control entry

Also called Transition to twister side control

From side control with a crossface, let the head go, post your hands and sit through to face their legs in twister side control. Use it to set up the twister series, mount and the truck.

Twister side control from three-quarter mount

From three-quarter mount with your opponent on their side and a leg grabbed, switch your hips and sit through into twister side control, keeping their leg hooked. Use it when they turn away to escape your mount.

Underhook half guard entry

Also called Sit up with an underhook from half guard

From the half guard knee shield, turn onto your side and shoot an underhook to sit up into your opponent. Use it to get off your back in half guard and start sweeps or back takes.

X-guard entry from failed cocoon

Also called Failed cocoon to X-guard

A guard change from the cocoon: when your opponent pulls their arms free and stands, you slide underneath and catch a leg in X-guard. Use it when your over-under clinch from seated guard breaks.

X-guard entry from shin-on-biceps guard

Also called X-guard entry from spider guard

From spider guard with your shins on their biceps, follow your opponent as they stand by scooting under them into X-guard. Use it when they stand up to break your spider guard.

X-guard entry from single-leg X

Switch from single-leg X to full X-guard by taking your foot off their hip and crossing both legs under their far leg. Use it when they posture up and stand tall in your single-leg X.

Arm drag to ashi garami against a single leg

Also called Arm-drag counter to a single leg

When your opponent catches your leg on a high single, drag their arm, drop under them and slide your legs into ashi garami. It turns a takedown attempt into a leg lock position.

Back take counter to a single-leg escape from knee on belly

Also called Back take against a single-leg escape from knee on belly, Back take counter to knee-on-belly escape, Back take against a single leg, Sprawl and spin behind back take

When your opponent under knee on belly turns in and grabs your leg, sprawl, circle behind their turtle and roll them into back control. It punishes the most common knee on belly escape.

Backstep counter to the half guard arm drag

When your opponent in half guard drags your arm to go for your back, swing your free leg back over them and sit facing their feet. It turns their arm drag into a backstep pass.

Biceps control against a double collar tie

Also called Biceps-control defence against closed-guard collar ties

Grip both of their biceps from inside to blunt a double collar tie in closed guard. Use it when your opponent has pulled your head down and you need to get your posture back.

Block the first hook from standing

Also called Block the first hook

Stop your opponent's first hook when they ride high on your back while you stand. Without a hook in, they can't settle back control.

Bridge and clinch against strikes from mount

When your opponent in mount raises an arm to strike, bridge them forward and hug their waist. It takes away the space they need to punch.

Bridge to break posture from mount

Also called Upa to unbalance

Bridge under an upright mount to tip your opponent forward onto their hands. It breaks their posture and sets up your mount escapes.

Bridge to free a trapped arm from mount

Also called Upa to get arm back

Bridge under mount to free an arm your opponent has trapped with head-and-arm control. It gets your elbow back to your side before they can attack it.

Bridge to recover an underhook from half guard

Bridge into your opponent from flattened half guard to make space and win back your underhook. Use it when they crossface you and keep you flat.

Butterfly arm drag counter pass

Also called Arm drag counter pass

When your opponent arm drags you from seated butterfly guard, drive across them and clear their legs into twister side control. It turns their drag into a pass.

Butterfly hook clearance

Also called Shin pummeling, Shin circling

Clear your opponent's butterfly hooks one leg at a time while standing over them. It frees your legs so you can start passing.

Clear C-cup frames from scarf hold

Also called Clear C-cup frames from side control

Beat your opponent's double C-cup frames from scarf hold by working your arm over their hands and settling into side control. Use it when their frames keep you from staying heavy.

Clear the hook from a turtle leg ride

Pull your leg out of your opponent's leg ride hook while you are turtled. It stops their ride and keeps them from taking your back.

Collar tie break from closed guard

Also called Clear collar ties from closed guard

Clear your opponent's collar tie from inside their closed guard and take both biceps. It brings your posture back and shuts down their attacks from the head pull.

Crucifix counter to a double leg

Also called Crucifix from a sprawl

Sprawl on your opponent's low double leg, wrap head and arm, then circle and trap an arm between your legs for the crucifix. It turns a failed shot into a strong top position.

Crucifix counter to a seated single leg

A counter to a seated single leg: when your opponent grabs your leg with their head outside, you step around behind them, trap their arm with your legs and sit into the crucifix. Use it when a seated guard player reaches for your lead leg.

Crucifix counter to a single leg

Also called Crucifix from a single leg, Single leg counter to crucifix

When your opponent holds your leg on a high single, push their head aside, swing your leg around their arm and roll them into the crucifix. It turns their takedown into one of the strongest back attacks.

Double outside ashi escape to saddle

Also called Double outside ashi escape to honey hole, Saddle entry from double outside ashi

Escape your opponent's double outside ashi by coming up to your knees and turning into the saddle. It flips a leg lock threat into your own inside heel hook position.

Duck under a roundhouse kick to a double leg

Duck under your opponent's roundhouse kick and shoot a double leg while they stand on one foot. A striking counter for MMA and self defense.

Electric chair defense by freeing the outside leg

Also called Electric chair defence by freeing the outside leg

A defense to the electric chair from top lockdown: you flatten onto your opponent so their raised leg comes down and your outside leg is free again. Use it when they start the electric chair sweep with your leg locked down.

Flattening counter to the half guard underhook

When your opponent props up on an elbow in half guard fighting for the underhook, drive them flat and take the underhook and crossface yourself. It shuts down their half guard offence.

Frame out of double underhooks in butterfly guard

Also called Break double underhooks in butterfly guard

Frame on your opponent's upper body and push away to escape their double underhooks inside seated butterfly guard. It rebuilds your posture so they can't sweep or take your back.

Free the leg against a single leg

When your opponent is stuck on a single leg under your sprawl, wrap their head and sprawl hard to pull your leg free. It clears the takedown and leaves you on top of their head.

Funk roll counter to a single leg

Also called Funk roll counter to head-inside single leg, Funk roll counter to single leg, Funk roll defense

When your opponent holds your leg on a single under your sprawl, grab their far leg, roll under and come out behind them in a leg ride. A wrestling counter that turns their shot into your ride.

Go-behind against a backward-roll guard recovery

A counter for the top player when the opponent rolls backward to escape a double-under pass. You follow the roll and circle behind them into a ride on their turtle.

Go-behind counter to a single leg

Also called Go-behind counter to single leg, Flank and break the single-leg grip

A counter for when your opponent is turtled under your sprawl but still holds a single leg. You circle to their side, free your leg and wrap them in a seatbelt.

Inversion against the leg drag

A guard recovery for when a seated opponent starts dragging your legs across. You roll onto your shoulders and swing your free leg overhead, turning upside down to keep your legs between you.

Jaws of life

An escape from the bottom of lockdown half guard when your opponent holds an overhook and pins your arm. You frame on their neck and swim both arms under theirs to get double underhooks.

Kick-over counter to a single leg

Also called Kick-over counter to single leg, Kick-over sweep, Kick over, Kick-over throw

A standing counter for when your opponent holds your leg high with their head on your chest. You arm drag, hop for balance, then kick their leg out with your caught leg and roll them to side control.

Kimura counter to a head-outside single leg

Also called Kimura counter to high crotch, Kimura throw against a single leg, Kimura roll counter to single leg, Kimura sacrifice throw against a single leg

A counter to a single leg with the head outside: you lock a kimura on the arm around your leg, drop under and roll your opponent over to land on top. Use it when they shoot a single leg and leave their arm exposed.

Knee pick counter to an arm pull

A standing counter for when your opponent pulls on your arm in an upper-body tie. You control their neck and wrist, grab their knee and drive them backward to the mat.

Limp-arm escape from butterfly clinch

Also called Limp-arm escape from cocoon

An escape for the top player caught in a seated opponent's over-under hug in butterfly guard. You let your arms go loose, slide them out of the hug and rise onto your feet to pass.

Mounted arm triangle escape

Also called Mounted arm triangle defence

An escape from under mount when your opponent locks an arm triangle around your head and arm. You free your trapped arm and leave them mounted but with no choke.

Neck frame defense to arm drag

A standing defence for when your opponent arm drags you to get behind. You brace your free forearm against their neck and step to keep facing them.

Overhook escape from closed guard

An escape for the top player in closed guard when your opponent overhooks one of your arms. You circle the trapped elbow free and get both hands back inside.

Posting defense against an overhook butterfly sweep

Also called Posting defence against an overhook butterfly sweep, Hand-post defence to butterfly sweep

A defence for the top player in butterfly guard when your opponent overhooks an arm and falls to the side to sweep you. You post a hand wide on the mat and stay on top.

Posture recovery against closed-guard collar ties

A posture fix for the top player when your opponent pulls your head down with their arms around your neck in closed guard. You brace on their hips and lift your head and chest.

Posture recovery in butterfly guard

A posture fix for the top player when your opponent pulls your head and chest down in butterfly guard. You lift back up and settle into a kneeling over-under clinch.

Posture up to defend the omoplata

An early defence when your opponent catches your arm in an omoplata from guard. You lift your torso upright on your knees so they cannot flatten you, even as they roll back with your arm trapped.

Roundhouse kick catch

Also called Catch a roundhouse kick

A standing defence for when your opponent throws a roundhouse kick. You block it with your forearms and catch their shin, leaving them hopping on one leg.

Saddle reversal

Also called Honey hole reversal

A leg lock counter for when your opponent has you in the saddle. You sit up, free your hips and turn the entanglement around so you hold them in the saddle instead.

Seated single-leg counter to an ankle pick

A standing counter for when your opponent goes for an ankle pick and inside trip from a collar tie. You sit down under them and grab their front leg in a seated single leg.

Shoulder pin escape from closed guard

An escape for the top player in closed guard when your opponent pins your arm to their shoulder with an underhook and pulls you low. You yank the arm free and sit back up.

Side control counter to a turn-in armbar escape

A counter for when your opponent turns in toward you to escape your armbar from the spider web. You let their leg go, follow their turn and sit up into a scarf hold.

Side control retention with a step-over and lat grip

Also called Lat trap counter to the leg push

A way to keep side control: you step a leg over your opponent's arm and, when they push on your leg to escape, grab their lat so they cannot turn. Use it when they start making frames from bottom side control.

Sit-up counter to a rolling toe hold

Also called Rolling toe hold escape to top position

A counter for when your opponent rolls for a toe hold from your Z guard. You follow the roll, sit up, pull your leg free and come out on top.

Sit-up counter to the over-under pass

Also called Over-under pass counter to turtle ride

A counter to the over-under pass from the bottom. You turn on your side, sit up around their shoulder and circle behind them as they fold into turtle.

Spladle counter to single leg

Also called Spladle counter, Spladle throw

A wrestling counter for when your opponent shoots a high single leg and puts their head on your chest. You push their head to the side, grab their leg and drop sideways to turn them onto their back.

Sprawl against a double leg

Also called Sprawl against the double leg

The basic standing defence to a double leg. You throw your legs back and drop your hips on their shoulders, flattening them into turtle with their head and arm held.

Sprawl against a single leg

Also called Sprawl against single leg, Vice-grip sprawl, Front headlock counter to single leg

A sprawl that frees your leg when your opponent has dropped to their knees on a single leg. You keep their head and arm wrapped and end on top of their turtle.

Sprawl against tornado guard

A sprawl against tornado guard: when your opponent goes upside down under you, you post your hands, kick your legs back and drop your weight so they stay stuck under you.

Square up against angled closed guard

When your opponent angles their hips off to one side in closed guard, you pull back and square up on both knees to take away the angle they need for attacks like the triangle.

Stack to block invisible collar

Also called Invisible collar entry defense

A stack that blocks the invisible collar from chill dog, the rubber guard position where your opponent has a leg over your upper back. You drive forward and fold them onto their shoulders.

Standing grip break against shin-on-biceps guard

Also called Standing grip break against spider guard

A way to free your arms when your opponent has their shins against your biceps: you stand up first, then pull each arm free.

Step-over mount against a single-leg escape

Also called Step-over mount counter to single-leg escape, Step-over mount from knee on belly

From knee on belly, when your opponent turns in and grabs your far leg for a single-leg escape, you step over into high mount with one of their arms trapped.

Stuff the double-leg shot

Also called Double-leg shot block

A standing defense to a double-leg shot: as your opponent drops their level, you move your hips back and press down on their upper body to stall the shot.

Triangle adjustment against the Roger Gracie defense

A fix for a triangle your opponent is blocking with the Roger Gracie defense: you open your lock, post a hand and turn your hips to a new angle with a leg across their upper back.

Turn to turtle against a stack pass

When your opponent stacks your legs over you to pass, you roll away onto your knees and forearms to end in turtle instead of giving up the pass.

Twister roll counter

Also called Counter-roll against the twister roll

A counter to the twister roll: halfway through your opponent's roll, you keep rolling the same way and come out behind their hips in the truck.

Underhook defense from top half guard

Also called Underhook defence from top half guard

In top half guard, when your opponent turns on their side and shoots an arm under yours for the underhook, you drop your head onto their shoulder to block it.

Underhook withdrawal to recover frames

Also called Frame recovery from half guard

In bottom half guard, when your underhook is over-extended and your opponent is pressing in, you pull the arm back inside and set it as a frame to keep your space.

Whizzer counter to the half guard underhook

From top half guard, when your opponent has an underhook around your back, you wrap over their arm with a whizzer and frame on their head to keep top.

Wrist-pin escape from Z guard

Also called Wrist-pin escape from knee-shield half guard

From knee-shield half guard, when your opponent pins your wrist to the mat, you free the wrist and bring your arms back inside to a tight half guard shell.